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////
2>eLyA^M
WtJlraJti^u
— LESSONS^
IN THE MECHANICS OF
PH$0ML l[AE|NEIpL
"PERSONAL MAGNETISM IS AN ART BY WHICH A PERSON
IS ENABLED TO CONTROL THOSE WITHIN REACH
OF HIS VOICE, EYE OR TOUCH."
For Lawyers, Clergymen, Physicians, Actors, and all Professional Persons ;
as well as for Students of these Professions ; also for all Persons
who wish to occupy influential Positions in the Political,
Business, and Social Worlds.
Arranged either for Reading or Study ; witfH certain
EXERCISES SO EXPLAINED THAT ANY PERSON MAY EASILY UNDER-
STAND AND MASTER THEM WITHOUT A TEACHER.
Although not so intended at first, it has, nevertheless, proved an Abso-
lute Cure of all tendencies toward Nervous Prostration
and Mental Weakness.
By EDMUND SHAFTESBURY, \j^k^X ,
Author of " Lessons in Artistic Deep Breathing," "Lessons in
Emphasis," "Lessons in Voice Culture," "Lessons in
Oratory," Etc., Etc.
1888.
The Martyn College Press,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Copyright, 1888, by
WEBSTER EDGERLY,
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
DEDICATED TO
PURE ART
"Some ethereal visitor enters now."
I 8?291
PREFACE.
Y an examination of the literature of the world it
will be seen that the subject of Personal Magnetism has
never yet been written upon, much less studied.
The author's disbelief in the possibility of acquiring a
gift so powerful, prevented him for years from considering
it as a subject of study; but a thorough investigation of
the matter has convinced him beyond all doubt that the
Art may be studied, the gift acquired and the whole
character and current of a person's life revolutionized by
its acquirement.
This book is not a venture. For nearly twenty years
it has been the one great theme of the author. Its exer-
cises are not accidents ; they have been subjected to over
one hundred thousand tests, in which they have proved
.themselves to be perfect.
If care and painstaking, long watching and long waiting
for results, and an accumulation of proofs mountain high,
will establish the certainty of the acquirements of the
power of " Personal Magnetism," then this book has its
permanent place in the world.
A great work is before it.
It now makes its entrance upon public life, and the
people who are interested in it and who know its merits,
are watching with some curiosity the manner of its recep-
tion by the great public, feeling sure that time will achieve
for it that full success which comes sometimes early and
oftentimes late to great undertakings.
This book deals only with the subject of " The Mechan-
ics of Personal Magnetism." The deeper study is found
in a subsequent course of lessons.
The exercises herein set forth cannot under any circum-
stances produce the slightest harm to the pupil. On the
contrary, every minute spent in practicing them will be
productive of good to body, nerves and brain.
There will be three classes of persons who will under-
take the study of this work, and the performance of the
exercises :
1st. Those who, through curiosity, or as incredulous investigators, pur-
sue the work with hesitation and indifference.
2d. Those who commence with enormous zeal and determination to
succeed, and devote every spare moment to it for a few days, or weeks,
and then suddenly cool off. This is a large class, and they have had
their ardor as suddenly cool off in a hundred other undertakings before.
3d. Those who commence deliberately and work and wait patiently,
plodding along in the dark for the proper length of time, but persisting
until the light dawns upon them. When the light does come it seems to
break all at once. This class possesses that rare faculty called applica-
tion.
The foregoing classes embrace all persons. The last
named will, of course, achieve complete success. The
other two will accomplish something of value in every
minute they devote to it. Out of the very many exercises
of the book, there is not a single one which is not worth
more than the price of the work.
When the subject was first being systematized for study,
there was no intention on the part of the author to con-
nect it in any way with benefits to the health ; but it was
found that every exercise produced good results in that
line. Therefore, while not claiming or laying stress upon
the fact, in our introduction of the study to the public,
we find the following to be always true :
1. It promotes a healthy blood circulation.
2. It invigorates the whole body.
3. It builds a good brain power.
4. It makes perfect nerves, overcoming nervous pros-
tration, and the tendency to insanity.
These are incidentals and facts that were found to exist
in the effort to accomplish the grander result — " Personal
Magnetism."
a
We Leani by Reading ; we Acquire by Thinking"
Chapter One.
A TALK WITH THE READER.
Many years ago the author strenously maintained that
" Personal Magnetism " was a gift, that it could not be
acquired by practice, and above all things could not be
taught. At that time there were quite a number of dis-
tinguished men who were in professional or political life
who were reputed to possess this sacred gift in a very high
degree. Their success everywhere seemed to prove that
they had some pre-eminently great power over men, not
only in public places, but in private conversation. This
power by universal consent, was called by the familiar
title u Personal Magnetism."
Nor was it observable under these circumstances alone.
On social occasions a rare few displayed it. I shall never
forget the evening, when at a magnificent drawing-room
reception, a lady swept into our midst and by a single
glance of the eye, a tone of the voice, held everybody spell-
bound. There were able and talented geniuses present
who had hitherto charmed and won homage, but her power
was so simple, so irresistible and so complete, that even
the brilliant men tacitly acknowledged her to be more
than their peer. She was not beautiful. Her features
were neither stern nor weak. Every movement, every
glance, every tone indicated something that, while it was
devoid of assumption, effectually asserted a superiority of
charm. It must not be said that Personal Magnetism
belongs wholly to men.
The author still clung to his opinion that this gift could
not be acquired, and in a private conversation with the
lady referred to above, sought to obtain some light upon
10 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
the phenomenon. It was expected that she would deny
her possession of such a gift, but on the contrary she said
" I feel that I have some power over others ; but a few
years ago I did not have any at all."
" Do you mean to say it was not born in you ? "
" It certainly was not born in me. Some years ago I
was quite the opposite. I had but few friends, many ene-
mies, and was without any influence among my fellow
beings. Since then my circumstances have not changed,
but I have. It was not all self training either."
On further conversation she told the following story :
Her sister had married a politician who was reputed to
be one of the most magnetic men living. Indeed his suc-
cess and his power over men and audiences were wonder-
ful. He was well known everywhere. She sought his
confidence and by persistent teasing obtained from him
the fact that he had acquired the whole power, and by a
certain kind of practice and a special rule of conduct had
built up a splendid magnetic body and mind. He further-
more expressed the opinion that no person is born with
it, but that many are born with tendencies that under
favorable circumstances may develop it ; he believed that
every person could acquire it, if he or she would.
The author was certainly surprised.
He afterwards spent years in testing the truth of the
latter remark. He formed the acquaintance of the great
men, who were called magnetic and influential over their
fellow beings, and found first, that in proportion as they
were great they were obliging, and this made it possible
to converse with them. Without a single exception, these
men asserted that the power or giftdhat they possessed was
acquired, and not born in them !
The question next arose, shall the persons who do not
possess this power be believed when they say it cannot be
acquired, or shall those who possess it and know how they
came with it, be credited?
Yes, reader, it can be acquired.
What is Personal Magnetism ?
A TALK WITH THE READER. 11
It is the power to control persons who come within
reach of the voice, eye or touch.
Is it anything like Mesmerism ?
Probably nothing at all like it. The author professes
to be ignorant of Mesmerism, but if such a thing exists it
must from descriptions given of it, be a deadening of nerve
forcfe and a capture of the belief of a victim. Personal
Magnetism on the contrary is noble, pure, lofty and sub-
lime in its influence upon the mind of the possessor, and
upon those who feel its &pell. The minister who possesses
it is inspired with a power almost God-like ; the lawyer,
who wins as Rufus Choate did nearly every jury case he
ever tried, compels an admiration for himself and his
cause by the ennobling influence of this gift ; the actor
charms ; the physician wins his victory for good ; the lady
entices into a pleasant homage. There is always a joyous,
exhilarating, fascinating feeling which is shared by both ,
the controller as well as by the controlled; which is said
not to be the case in Mesmerism. More than this it
always creates in the controlled some degree of the same
power over others, which Mesmerism is said never to do.
Is it anything like Spiritualism?
Not at all. The author personally never has seen any
evidence of the presence of spirits, although he has tried
to. But as far as the claims of Spiritualists go, the pro-
cesses are widely apart.
Is it anything like Mind Reading?
Not if the author understands that term.
Is it anything like Mind Cures, Faith Cures, Christian
Science, etc?
No. The power of Personal Magnetism is so gentle
and yet so effective that the person controlled knows noth-
ing of the process going on, and thinks and believes that
perfect freedom of will is his, which is probably the case,
as he always wills to do as he is inclined.
The art is not speculative. There is not a single page
of this book devoted to notions, whims or fancies. The
plain facts are adhered to; results are aimed at; the whole
12 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
object of the book is to prove what can be accomplished
in the reader, not what pet theories may be advanced.
Not a moment of time should be wasted in speculation.
The principal of life, or vital-force is dealt with as an
existing, controllable engine. The heart is the mere phy-
sical engine of the body, but there is a mightier force back
of it, the spark of life, which is fed by the three great ele-
ments : —
1. Human Electricity.
2. Human Magnetism.
3. Human Fire.
The combination of these three elements produces an
influence as quick in its motion as light, as thin as the •
universal ether, as powerful as the affinity of the world
systems of the sky.
The earth is on the threshold of stupendous inventions
and discoveries; the intellect of man must grasp more of
the knowledge of life itself, if it would keep pace with
the progress going on around it. We are just learning
what the spark of life is ; the reader of this book will have
acquired an intimate knowledge of what it is ; he will learn
more, he will learn that it may be controlled, built up,
increased in power and intensity until it is a giant ; and
he will finally learn that it may be used as a giant in the
great battle of life.
One of the most magnetic men the author ever met,
claimed with great enthusiasm that a person ought to pre-
serve a youthful feeling and not grow old for one hundred
years. His assertion did not prove true, for he died at
the age of eighty-two by being thrown from a carriage.
The author knows of two gentlemen of great magnetism
and wonderful success in life who claim to have acquired
it all by years of private investigation into the subject,
who are trying to observe a certain rule of conduct daily,
in the hope that they may live to a great age. It was
nearly twenty years ago that they first entered upon the
attempt to live, as they say, "one hundred years." One
to-day is eighty-eight, the other seventy-five; but the most
A TALK WITH THE READER. 13
convincing fact is that they retain all the buoyancy of
youth, the full flush of face and form, and are a burden to
no one. They say they firmly believe that if persons com-
mence during young manhood or young womanhood to
cultivate the magnetic power, and do not waste it by dis-
sipation, they ought to live for two hundred years.
The author cannot believe that such will be the case;
there is always a reluctance to believe that anything will
happen that never has happened ; yet these two old gentle-
men firmly believe their assertion.
It is undoubtedly true that a person at any age may
re-juvenate body, nerves and brain. No person it too old
to practice the " Mechanics of Personal Magnetism. "
The present age is one of hurry and excitement, and is
undoubtedly leading to " nervousness " and "nervous pros-
tration " to an unusual degree.
Into this whirl are carried the great geniuses in all the
departments of life, while the " littleness " of the men and
women of the middle and lower ranks is deprived of the
hope of out-growing itself. The reader need not cast
about to find some illustration of this fact in others. Self
study will sufficiently prove it in every reader. You are
constantly yielding to the limitations of your power.
The vital-force or the "spark of life "• consists of three
elements : Electricity, Magnetism and Fire. These are
constantly being generated by the principle of existence,
and in persons of moral self-control are used only as fast
as produced; in persQns of weak control they are wasted
faster than they are generated ; and in persons who rule
or control others and generally win the battle of life, the
nerves and brains are generally super-charged with those
elements. The ability to super-charge the nerves and
brains with electricity, magnetism and fire is the result
aimed at in the exercises which are called "The Mechanics
of Personal Magnetism," and which comprise the present
volume.
The ability to use in an effective and proper manner
upon persons and audiences the magnetism which is ac-
14 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
cumulated in the over-charged nerves and brains, is the
task set forth in the second and concluding volume, called
the " Magnetic Control of Others " wherein are the deeper
mysteries and profounder problems of life itself.
The exercises of the present volume are divided into
four parts:
1. Experiments.
2. Negative Mechanics.
3. Positive Mechanics.
4. Regime.
The Experiments test the condition of the nerves of the
pupil.
The Negative Mechanics stop the leaks of vital-force
which are constantly occurring in nearly every person, and
in doing this they remove every trace of " nervousness "
and every tendency to nervous prostration and mental weak-
ness.
The Positive Mechanics generate great quantities of
vital-force, and super-charge the nerves and brain with
Magnetism.
The Regime regulates the daily habits of life so as to
make them consistent with the new and higher plane of
existence in which we aim to dwell.
4
"Prepare well in the Start for the whole Journey, 1 '
Chapter Two.
PRELIMINARIES BEFORE COMMENCING THE
PRACTICE OF PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Every purchaser of this book should class himself in
one of two divisions :
1. Either as a reader.
2. Or as a student.
Only the latter will aqcomplish the full results of the
work. He will have three things to do :
1. He must study.
2. He must think.
3. He must execute.
There can be such a thing as reading that is deep and
student like ; but a casual reader, who absorbs nothing,
is the most superficial of all persons. Whoever reads the
fewest books is apt to be the best thinker. A rapid reader
cannot be a student.
A casual reading of this book will produce in the pupil
no results whatever. It will be time wasted ; but perhaps
well wasted.
The author prefers that no person should have the
custody of this book, excepting the owner, or excepting
the person who is to use it. A book of study should have
but one owner.
Lending and borrowing are relics of barbarism, and
twin brothers of poverty and bad business methods.
Polonius, in Hamlet, says :
" Neither a borrower nor a lender be ;
'• For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
"And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry/'
J O J J J "->
J J J- 1 u • JJ J
J J J J
16 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
But a stronger reason prevails in the present instance.
The purchaser of this book, or whoever studies it, should
at once procure -some strong but thin writing paper, and
paste a leaf between every two pages of this volume, in
the chapters on Exercises. On these blank leaves he
should keep a record of his practice and the time when it
is first undertaken, the amount of time each day and the
progress made. Annotations of all kinds pertaining to
the study and practice will be found beneficial and of great
value if the student ever proceeds as far as the second
volume, which gives advanced lesson*, and concludes the
mastery of this great art. This is a cogent reason why
but one person should use this book.
The last and best reason is that the next and concluding
volume, entitled, " Private Lessons in Book Form in
Magnetic Control of Others, or Personal Magnetism
Proper," will be sold only to the actual purchaser of this
book. The high character of the results to be attained
necessitates constant companionship of book and User,
which is impossible if two friends or two members of the
same family are using the same copy; and is just as in-
convenient as two hungry people eating out of the same
plate.
WHY THE SELF-PROMISE IS A HELP.
There are two reasons why :
First, many persons rush so eagerly into things and put
on such a show of determination, and such a glow of ardor
that the world seems to think its end is at hand ; but it is
not the end of the world that is at hand ; no, it is the end
of that zeal. This has been one of the freaks of human
nature in unsuccessful people from time immemorial, and
lack of persistency is the cause of the ill-success of most
people.
To overcome this, it is better to make and record some-
where (where no person may see it), a promise made to
yourself that you will persist to the end in this work.
The second reason is as important.
.* W 4, WW W W W W
' " ^ *• * \
PRELIMINARIES. 17
True greatness requires self-control and self-denial. A
test of both these qualities may be found in the simple
question whether a person can persevere to the end in any
undertaking.
If the pupil will stop for a moment to think, he will re-
call scores of things he has commenced to do in the past,
many of which he persevered in for a long time, and only
a few of which he completed, if any. It is human nature
to plan and to undertake; then to get weary and stop.
Enthusiasm cools in the presence of drudgery.
Personal Magnetism enables us to win the admiration
of our fellow beings.
To do this a man must have manhood, and a woman
must have womanhood, or in other words, Character.
A great man once said that character was best formed
by " making a solemn pledge to yourself and keeping it to
the letter." The self-denial and the self-control which will
be required for the keeping of such a pledge will develop
character, and will assert itself in one's features and
conduct.
Very few persons can do it.
To test the lack of Character in you, and to help to de-
velop it, if lacking, as well as to secure a thorough mastery
of the exercises in the following lessons, the subjoined
Pledge has been prepared. A copy of it should be made
and signed, and filed away among the private papers of
the pupil.
Do not make this Pledge hastily.
Do not make it with any mental reservation of insin-
cerity.
Take time to examine and think about it, and if you
then make it, do so with the firm resolve to truly perform
its obligations as a matter of honor.
THE SELF-PROMISE.
{To be coried, and the copy to be signed.)
I hereby solemly promise myself that I will enter upon
and perform the following obligations in every respect as
hereinafter stated : —
18 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
OBLIGATIONS.
1. I will study the Explanations, commit to memory
the Rules, and perform the Exercises, in the manner, and
at the times prescribed in this book.
2. I will devote not less than thirty consecutive minutes
on each of five days in every week (during health), to the
work mentioned in obligation 1.
3. After the first three months have elapsed since the
commencement of this work, I will note down in a daily
record every breach of Habitual Regime, of which I may
be guilty, and will keep such record for future reference.
4. I will record in blank leaves (to be pasted perma-
nently in this book among the Chapters on Exercises,
before commencing my practice), all the time spent in
practice, the time when it is first undertaken, and the pro-
gress made, as well as any questions or matters concerning
which I may wish information in case I conclude to take
the advanced course of private lessons in book form
entitled the '* Magnetic Control of Others."
5. I will put this promise to myself in some place where
I can readily refer to its contents, which I will do not less
often than once a week after signing it.
i
"A Guiding Power makes Laws we cannot Mter."
Chapter Three.
THE FIVE GRAND PRINCIPLES OF THE ME-
CHANICS OF PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
The following principles should be committed to mem-
ory. They are too important to be merely read.
If you fail to understand them, take a rest, and try at
Forue subsequent day to grasp their meaning.
The reading of the previous pages of this book may
help much to comprehend this chapter.
FIRST GRAND PRINCIPLE.
Human Magnetism influences others through either the
Voice, Eye or Touch alone, or by any two, or all three of
these combined.
SECOND GRAND PRINCIPLE.
This influence is conveyed by itself as a Vibratory
Agent.
THIRD GRAND PRINCIPLE.
The vibration originates in the vital force of the person
controlling others, and is instantly conveyed to the person
controlled.
FOURTH GRAND PRINCIPLE.
The vibration is bound to excite a similar or respons-
ive state or condition of mind in the person receiving it,
20 LE9SOXS IX PEBSOXAL MAGNETISM.
and during his inactivity he cannot prevent it. This law
is an axiom.
Note. — As all Lawyers, Clergymen, Actors, Readers
and Speakers generally, have their audiences in a state of
inactivity, an irrisistible control of them should follow,
when the influence of Personal Magnetism is exerted.
FIFTH GRAXP PRINCIPLE.
Unlike so-called mesmerism, Human Magnetism in-
stead of weakening the giver or receiver, strengthens both
to a remarkable degree, and excites in the receiver a tend-
ency to develop the same power.
Notes. — The few following explanations will serve as
helps to the comprehending of the foregoing principles.
1. The Magnetic Touch is vibratory ; the im magnetic
touch is not. Vibrations, however, do not mean a shaking,
or even a trembling ; they are generally so slight that the
receiver cannot delect them
2. The Magnetic Voice is vibratory; the unmagnetic
voice is not. These vibrations are not the tremulousness
of the voice, nor any wavering. On the other hand, they
are so fine and minute that they pass undetected.
3. The Magnetic Eye is the gathering of the vital force
when operating by the nerves of sight. The brain looks
out through the pupil of the eye ; it is a terrible engine of
human electro- magnetism, often super-charged with energy.
It is related of an ancient Greek who, at one time by a
single glance, paralyzed a strong man. The same thing
might be done again. Many a person quails and flinches
before the eye of another.
James E. Murdoch testifies that when acting with the
Elder Booth he was brought to a complete stand-still on
the stage by & glance of the eye of that great tragedian,
and was completely powerless. Mr. Murdoch is still liv-
ing, and investigators can easily procure his address and
THE FIVE GRAND PRINCIPLES. 21
- ■ — ■ ■ ■ ■ — ■ — — — ■ i ■ ' ■ '" '
seek an explanation of the problem. Other actors and
actresses have accomplished the same thing.
A teacher who possesses magnetism can easily subdue
and control pupils however unruly, without the use of rod
or scolding or punishment of any kind.
It makes no difference how hardened a person may be.
Andrew Jackson, unarmed, took into custody an armed
desperado, whom the armed officers were afraid to ap-
proach. The man said he did not know why he yielded
to Jackson.
A lawyer may, without brow-beating, obtain the truth
from any witness, and sometimes, we regret to say, he
may win his cases when he ought not to. Rufus Choate
once said, "Give me a just case and no power on earth can
cause me to lose it." This great lawyer was exceedingly
magnetic, and his record shows that he won almost every
jury case he tried, both good and bad. The criminals of
Boston knew this, and one of their number said, "Be
jabers, there's a man that can pit me cleared of sthealing
even wid me stholen property in me boot-legs." Choate
was so feared by his fellow-lawyers that they attempted a
scheme to disbar him, but it failed.
A clergyman not only may do effective pulpit and parish
work, but he can readily avoid the dangers attending his
social life and the many unpleasantnesses arising among
all church congregations.
M'any a parent has controlled his or her child by the
mere glance of the eye.
It may be asked how the eye can convey vibratory ac-
tion to another person's eye. The answer is this : Light
is admitted by all scientists to be vibratory. If its vibra-
tions cease, we have total darkness. When we see any-
thing we see some form of light. It is this form of light
we see and not in reality the thing itself. The thing itself
consists of surface and interior ; no one pretends that we
ever see the interior of a thing (unless we cut it open, in
which case a new surface is created, and the interior is still
beyond us) ; and as only the surface is visible, and all
L_.
22 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
surfaces lack thickness, the visible part is onlv a super-
surface made by the light covering the object, which varies
in color and shade by the nature of the object and its po-
sition. All shadows have some degree of reflected light.
Light, therefore, is all we see, and as light is vibratory,
the influence from eye to eye is easily transferred.
But a deeper and a stronger power is behind the eye-
energy, which cannot be considered in this volume, as this
deals only with the "Mechanics of Personal Magnetism."
The study of the "Art of Personal Magnetism" will contain
broader and deeper investigations into this potential in-
fluence. That book is intended as a senior work for those
who wish to delve into the full depths of the study.
The Fourth Grand Principle is by far the most impor-
tant of all. To understand it thoroughly is to grasp at
once the central thought of the whole work. What is
meant by " exciting, a similar or responsive state or condi-
dition of mind in the person receiving it?"
To any person understanding the principle on which
the telephone conveys sound, the meaning is quite clear.
Sound is vibratory ; its vibrations by their variations of
character produce vowels, consonants, words, qualities of
voice and inflexions. If these variations of vibratory
action are preserved as they are being transmitted over
the wire, the exact words will be reproduced. The person
speaking causes the sound variations (so fine as to be
undistinguished by the ear as vibrations) to strike a mov-
able disc, which by its motion is constantly interrupting the
flow of the electrical current. These interruptions vibrate
the disc at the other end of the wire. The ear placed at
that end will receive the same kind of vibrations as were
made to vibrate the first disc. This is an illustration or
"exciting a similar condition," etc., in the person receiv-
ing it. Now, the recipient has no control whatever over
the matter, especially if he is a passive recipient. He can-
not by his own will-power, his thought, or his emotions
make the words any different; of course, he can stay away
from the telephone, but in the case of Human Magnetism
THE FIVE GRAND PRINCIPLES. 23
there is no staying away if the eye is seen, the tone felt, or
the sound heard.
To make the comparison clearer, we need say but one
thing more. The vibratory action is bound to be received
by all within its reach, and it spends itself by transplant*
ing in the mind of the recipient the will-energy of the
giver, from which there can be no recourse.
All this, of course, presumes that the giver possesses
magnetism.
To acquire that power is the work before us.
Enough of theory, enough of explanation ! To work !
To work ! To work !
" One Drop of Blood contains enough JUectricity to Blow up a House."
Chapter Four.
HUMAN ELECTRICITY.
For twenty-five centuries — during which the world has
seen the birth of its greatest generals, orators, poets and
philosophers, and has witnessed its most marvelous his-
tory and progress — for over half of the years of the human
race has electricity not only been observed, but has it been
made a subject of close study, constant experiment and
scientific investigation.
Before Hannibal or Alexander; before Archimedes or
Euclid ; before Cicero or Demosthenes ; before Virgil or
Herodotus ; before Aristotle, Plato or Socrates ever were
known to earth, Thales, the chief of the Seven Wise Men
of Greece, had bent his philosophic genius down to the
level of a piece of "Electron" or Amber, to account for its
wonderful power in attracting light articles to itself, when
excited by simple friction.
We might naturally suppose that these centuries of
genius would hand down to us a better knowledge of this
property of Electron, or electricity, than of any more recent
subject of investigation.
What is the fact? One hundred years ago it was prac-
tically as much a myst' ry as ever, and Prof. Henry, whose
invention of the practical form of the electro-magnet made
telegraphy and practical electricity possible, has but a very
few years been resting in the^quiet precincts of Oak Hill.
No scientific study has developed such wonderful com-
mercial results. We no sooner grow accustomed to the
surprises of telegraphy than the telephone makes its Bell
resound in every ear. As we become convinced of the
truth of this seeming impossibility, we are startled by the
HUMAN ELECTRICITY. 25
brilliance of an unaccustomed light. Under its illumina-
tion we can see on all sides the busy ateliers turning out
magnetic machines for every purpose that men could have,
until we see not far ahead the gradual abolishment of
steam as a source of motive power.
Surely, this bespeaks a perfect knowledge of that subtile
fluid that Franklin deftly lured into his battery by a kite-
string.
Investigators, who make electricity a specialty, are com-
pelled to confess that, notwithstanding the remarkable
powers that they have revealed, these are as pebbles on
the beach compared with the vast ocean of undiscovered
possibilities, only awaiting ^ome Columbus to courageously
embark upon its inviting bosom.
Some one has said that a dew-drop contains enough
electricity to blow up a house. Professor Faraday, who
never made a careless statement, said, " The chemical ac-
tion of a grain of water upon four grains of zinc, can evolve
electricity equal in quantity to that of a powerful thunder
• storm. ' Is there not, then, great reason to hope and believe
that by a closer experimental investigation of the principles
which govern this subtile agent, we shall be able to invent
new instruments which shall a thousand-fold surpass in
energy those which we at present possess."
•It will be well understood how it is possible for differ-
ent persons to make statements that seem conflicting and
yet all be facts. This is a necessary caveat in a book like
the present. Its principles may seem to contradict the
teachings of other books or instructors ; but in the midst
of so much undeveloped wealth, every delver may bring
forth things new and old.
This chapter is introductory to the rest and must con-
tain an explanation of some terms and principles which
will make Magnetism more intelligible than it could be
otherwise.
Some facts have been so constantly demonstrated as to
be looked upon as settled beyond all probability of con-
tradiction.
26 LES80NS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
The chief of these axioms is, that all substances whatever
contain electricity.
. This latent electricity is only made sensible to us under
peculiar circumstances. One of these is the contact of two
dissimilar substances — for instance metals. Take any
two different metals, as a piece of zinc and a silver tea-
spoon, put one over the tongue, the other under that organ.
While thus separated their latent electricity is quiescent.
But touch their outer ends and a new taste is instantly
presented to the sensitive papillae of the tongue.
This simple experiment contains in it the explanation
of all electrical generation. There are two sources of
electrical motion here employed. First, the contact of two
metals, each containing a different degree of electricity,
which tends to equalize itself upon their contact, thus pro-
ducing electrical motion. Second, the connection of two
metals by a weak acid, the saliva, which induces electrical
motion by means of the chemical action that results.
We can thus construct two kinds of batteries, one con-
sisting of a large number of alternate plates of any two
metals, which is known as the Voltaic Pile, the other be-
ing a series of such plates dipped into a tank of some
powerful acid, called a Galvanic Battery.
Another axiom of this science is that electricity disposes
itself upon the surface of objects. Hence arose the popu-
lar but mistaken term, electrical " fluid, " because it seemed
to flow like an imaginary liquid over the surface of things
it traversed.
No substance — whether solid, liquid or gas — refuses to
conduct electricity. But all substances present a varying
amount of " resistance " to its progress. In some, such as
glass, wood, vulcanite, &c, this is so great as to practically
make these " insulators." Yet sparks have been devel-
oped of such tension as to penetrate over three inches of
solid glass.
Whenever electricity is insulated and not allowed to
flow, it is called u Static ; " but when a " current " is set up
it is known as " dynamic " electricity.
HUMAN ELECTRICITY. 27
Our most familiar illustration of these conditions is seen
during a thunder storm. Each cloud is charged with
static electricity of great accumulated tension, but when
they approach near enough for the resistance of the air to
be overcome, then a discharge or "current" is set up,
whose dynamic effect often sends terror to the beholder.
"Density" is a term used for convenience, by which is
indicated the amount of electrical energy on any given
surface.
Experiment has shown that density varies, in accord-
ance with the outlines of a conductor.
Only on spherical surfaces is the density alike at every
spot. On objects of other shapes the density increases on
all projecting parts, becoming the greatest as a point is
approached, while in depressions it decreases until it may
be practically nothing.
Another fundamental discovery is that there are two
equal and opposite electricities, technically called " Posi-
tive " and " Negative."
When amber is properly rubbed it develops electricity
that attracts light articles to it. But glass, rubbed upon
silk, develops electricity as well, yet things are repelled.
For a long time these two forces were termed " resinous "
and " vitreous " electricity, and later the terms negative and
positive supplanted their earlier terms. Benjamin Frank-
lin maintained a theory, which became popular, that these
were but opposite manifestations of one and the same
electricity. But later research has convinced us that there
are two distinct though concomitant electricities, as they
can be made independent use of; for example, in multiple
telegraphy. Whenever these electricities are separated,
even in the slightest degree, there arises a proportional
desire for their union and equalizing. Until this occurs
there exists what i? called electrical "tension," which may
become so great as to break all previous bounds.
Theories are constantly changing as new developments
are attained, and no honest investigator holds rigidly to
28 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
any hypothesis, but daily anticipates even an entire revo-
lution in the philosophy of this marvelous double-force.
At present the verdict seems to lean toward the judg-
ment that electricity is not a fluid or a substance, but
rather a vibration, like light, sound and heat. What
makes this more plausible is the close Analogy between
heat and electricity in certain respects.
Electricity exerts an instant and powerful effect upon
surrounding objects, just as heat does by what we call
radiation. This influence is termed "Induction." In-
duction has a peculiar effect upon all objects. When a
body is in electrical equilibrium there is no tension, current
or other phase of electrical phenomenon. But upon the
approach of another body induction sets up, by which there
comes a new state of electrical condition, in which the op-
posite electricity to that of the approaching body is driven
to the side nearest to it, and the other kind to the reverse
situation. This is called "Polarity." Faraday proved
that induction is caused by the polarity of the intervening
particles of the atmosphere, which offered too much "re-
sistance" to permit a "current" or "conduction;" hence
polarity was conveyed from atom to atom of the air until
the object that manifested the effects of " induction " was
reached and influenced. The ordinary compass shows the
effect of induction, the needle being influenced by the
magnetism of the earth, so as to always point toward the
North. This is one of the most useful phenomena, and
especially sa in the study of Personal Magnetism, as we
may more clearly see in the following chapters.
Let us make a summary of the present chapter and find
what relation it bears to Human Electricity.
The following important facts are before us :
1. We are yet upon the threshold of our knowledge of
Electricity.
2. All the old and apparently established theories con-
cerning this mighty agent -may, by a single experiment, a
single fact, be completely overturned in the near future.
HUMAN ELECTRICITY. 29
3. Every substance, whether solid, gas or fluid, contains
electricity.
4. There is not a bone, muscle, fibre, drop of liquid, or
particle of matter in the human body but contains elec-
tricity.
5. One drop of blood contains sufficient electricity to
evolve a well-regulated thunder storm.
6. Electricity disposes itself upon the surface of objects.
7. Electricity held in check by insulation is called static.
8. Electricity in motion or in current, as it is called, is
termed dynamic.
9. Density means the amount of the electrical energy.
10. The best theory at the present day is that electricity
is not a fluid or a substance, but a vibration, like light,
sound and heat. If this is true, it is an important expla-
nation of the phenomena of Personal Magnetism. The
many thousands of experiments in this art coincide, in
their results, to such a theory ; but the whole line of study
mapped out in this book follows the teachings of facts
rather than theories, on the principle that one fact is worth
more than a thousand theories.
It is well, however, to bear in mind that the author
agrees with the most advanced views of the scientists of
the present day that electricity is a vibration. If this is
remembered, much that follows will be more easily under-
stood.
"Induction" is the process by which another person or
object is influenced. That actual contact or near approach
is not necessary is clearly proven by the magnetic needle,
which feels an influence exerted thousands of miles away ;
yet, were this not a fact established beyond all power of
contradiction, no person could be found at the present day
to believe it. So in the Art of Personal Magnetism
the author himself confesses he would not believe his own
assertions w T ere they not already perfectly proven, and he
is as much surprised by them as any one can be.
More of this later on.
" The Silent Influence of a Magnetic person m Irresistible,"
Chai'TEr Five.
HUMAN MAGNETISM.
Homer describes the gods viewing the fierce contests on
the plains of Troy, from the summit of Mount Ida. A
later tradition tells of the astonishment of an humble
shepherd, on this same summit, when he beheld his iron-
bound staff* leap from his hands and cling to the projecting
rocks. History seems clear in pointing to this locality of
ancient Magnesia, as the scene of the earliest discovery of
that wonderful ore or " stone " that would lift a " load,"
hence called the Loadstone. Very naturally was this force
called Magnetism, and the ore a Magnet, out of deference
to the place of its discovery.
This may be the very locality alluded to in the Arabian
Nights as the Magnetic Mountain which drew out the iron
bolts and fastenings from passing ships, and sank them
instantly.
Men were not long in discovering this magnetic iron-ore
in other places, and putting it to various tests of usefulness.
Chief among such experimental discoveries was the power
it possessed of magnetizing a needle so that it would
always point due North. Even in English annals we
find the u sailing stone " mentioned as early as the twelfth
century ; but it was known and used long previously by
other nations.
A piece of ordinary iron will exhibit magnetism as long
as a current of electricity is passed through coils of insu-
lated wire around it. This process is called Electro-
magnetism, and was employed long before the seemingly
self-evident discovery was made, that a magnet inside of
such a wire helix would set up an electrical current, which
HUMAN MAGNETISM. 31
is very appropriately termed Magnetic-electricity. Both
of these methods are in daily use.
The purposes of this book only demand a knowledge of
the underlying principles of electricity in its relation to
magnetism, and not an explanation in detail of discoveries
and their applications, scientific and commercial.
One of these principles is that magnetism is induced
only by dynamic, and not by static electricity.
Another fundamental discovery is that vibration, of some
sort, is a great assistant to the process of magnetizing.
Experience has also taught that the electricity of the
earth magnetizes all things upon it, which is of course
more evident in articles of iron than in those of poorer
conductivity. Many war vessels, therefore, were lost
before this effect of their magnetized guns upon the com-
pass was noticed.
The practical bearing of these facts upon our subject
will doubtless become apparent before the book is laid
aside.
Scientifically, magnetism is only a peculiar phase of
electrical phenomena, and is not a different force, sui
generis. But its manifestations are more easily classified
and popularly understood if we look upon it as something
different, though depending upon, and related to electricity.
It seems strange that up to one hundred years ago, men
were ignorant of the existence of animal magnetism.
A few years before the Declaration of Independence
received the signature of Benjamin Franklin, at that time
the greatest philosopher of this continent, another great
scientist, Galvani, professor in Bologna, was preparing
some frogs to be cooked for his sickly wife. Happening
to touch two different metals in contact, to certain nerves
and muscles, he was surprised to see the frogs' lifeless legs
resume all the activity of their accustomed motions.
Others had noticed this result, but had not been led to
investigate its philosophy.
After his death Prof. Aldini, a nephew, travelled through
Europe demonstrating the truth of Galvani's statements
32 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
and theories, which had been misrepresented and repudia-
ted.
A favorite experiment of bis, was to form a battery out
of several heads of recently slaughtered cattle, connecting
their tongues and ears alternately by wires. The result
was always surprising and conclusive. Aldini, among
other things, maintained : —
" That muscular contractions are excited by the develop-
ment of electricity in the animal-machine, which is con-
ducted from the nerves to the muscles, without the con-
xjurrence of metals."
"That all animals are endowed with an inherent elec-
tricity, appropriate to their economy, which, secreted by
the brain, resides especially in the nerves, by which it is
communicated to every part of the body. When a limb is
to be moved, the nerves aided by the brain, draw some
electricity from the interior of the muscles, discharging
this upon their surface, they are thus contracted as desired."
In our chapter on Electricity it was stated that chemical
action could produce galvanic currents. When we re-
member that almost every portion of our body is bathed on
one side with an alkaline, and on the other with an acidu-
lous fluid, we may justly consider the human frame an
electric battery, and one of no inconsiderable dimensions.
Was it not the shrewd Napoleon I, who said, when he
first saw a voltaic battery: — " Voila V image de la vie:
la colonne verUbrale est le pile; la vessie, le pole positif ; et le
foie, le pole negatif."
We know that electricity and magnetism exist in all
^Jjings. We are assured that its power vastly exceeds our
present acquaintance with it.
We have also seen that the very air becomes polarized
and sets up induction between adjacent bodies.
"Although Mesmer — who pretended to heal disease by
means of the loadstone — was undoubtedly a quack; and
while perhaps much that is called mesmerism is appropri-
ately named after him ; yet does not our present scientific
knowledge justify us in confidently expecting a real and
HUMAN MAGNETISM. 33
rational mesmerism, that results from the intelligent em-
ployment of the wonderful battery in which we live, and
by which our every thought is carried into action ? "
The human frame is, sq to speak, filled and dominated
by latent magnetism. Hence the brain, which appears to
be the seat of the soul or " ego," is properly a sensitive
electrical condenser, ready at any instant to charge any
nerves that they may set their appropriate muscles in
action, whenever that " ego " touches the magic " key "
which completes the " circuit."
Thales, then, considering that he lived twenty-five
hundred years before our day, was not far out of the way,
when he said that "electricity is the soul residing in
electron." This statement modernized, is that, " Electricity
is the Life."
To sum up this chapter in a few words, we find the
following propositions to be true :
1. Electricity constitutes the chief element of the vital-
force of the brain and body.
2. Dynamic electricity, and not static, induces magnetism .
3. Human magnetism is the vital-force at work.
4. The vital-force in a static condition is not magnetic.
5. The latent magnetism of an individual is quickly
awakened by the vibratory current of a magnetic person
through the action of the voice, eye or touch.
The subsequent chapters more fully investigate this
power.
"An Ether, Ihinner than Air more Subtle than Thought, and more
Rapid than Light, fids aU the Space of the Universe"
Chapter Six.
THE UNIVERSAL ETHER WHICH FILLS ALL
SPACE, AND SERVES AS A MEDIUM OF
INFLUENCE FROM MIND TO MIND.
The object of these theoretical chapters is simply to sat-
isfy the mind of the reader that there is a philosophy back
of the exercises which experience proves are able to de-
velop an attainment of personal power not otherwise en-
joyed. The practical portion of this book needs no
hypothesis. It is the product of actual practice. Our
theories concerning the results may be erroneous, but the
benefits that have universally accompanied this course of
traing are beyond the reach of doubt.
Nevertheless, we feel confident that the finger of science
has been pointing too long in the direction of our theory
to vary much from the meridian of truth. While it is in
a practical sense unnecessary, yet we believe it will be
interesting to every pupil to glance with us over the pan*
orama that covers so much of history and humanity.
The brief view we have taken of electricity showed us a
wonderful latent force permeating all things, and, in our
own bodies, evidently under control of the will. The
known laws of this force teach us the possibility of mutual
influence between people, in proportion to their (. inferences
of electrical density and environment. Every person not
in good electrical contact with another polarizes himself
and his neighbor. Under favoring conditions the tension
of this polarity may leap all bounds and set up an inter-
change of dynamic electricities. Some of these inducing
elements are : a greater difference of density between the
THE UNIVERSAL ETHER. 35
parties; sufficient approximation to reduce the resistance
of the air or other conductors, and a vibration of the air
itself; as, for instance, would be perfectly secured by a
full resonant voice in action.
We know that persons affect us differently ; some soothe
while others excite us. This influence varies according
to the time, place and weather, and most evidently in
accordance with our own electrical condition, or, as we
familiarly say, our "health." Undoubtedly much of this
is directly the result of electrical disturbance within us.
The writer has frequently been able to draw brilliant
sparks from his knuckles, and by them has repeatedly
lighted the gas. We are all familiar with the electrical
tension in a cat's fur on a dry day ; and every lady knows
how difficult it is to dress her hair when the atmosphere
favors its polarity. Some animals, like the electric eel
and Torpedo, are literally galvanic batteries of numerous
"elements," and store sufficient electricity to seriously, if
not fatally, affect the person who handles them when alive,
for the discharge of current is controlled bv the animal's
will.
We find that in addition to the well-known ordinary
electricity in our bodies, which seems to act independently
of our wishes, there is a similar force that seems to be re-
lated directly to our volition, and yet is distinct from that
electrical fluid that accompanies every muscular action.
The force now in question is one which manifests elec-
trical phenomena on external objects when the mind so
intends.
Perhaps the most conclusive experiments upon this force
were those referred to by Humboldt in the Organ of the
French Academy.
"M. Du Bois is the skillful experimentor who first and
alone succeeded in making the compass-needle deviate by
the will of man; that is to say, by that electrical current
which produces muscular tension. That deviation was
effected at great distances and ceased when he did not keep
36 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
his muscles tense."* Of this electricity it has been said
that it is developed in the greatest degree in the evening.
Doubtless this is mainly what makes us " feel the ap-
proach " of people into a dark room at night, when no
sound is heard. In this manner a noiseless burglar will
awaken the sleepers. We can thus understand Shake-
speare when he makes the witch say, |as Macbeth silently
seeks the midnight oracle.
" By the pricking of my thumbs,
Something wicked this way comes."
While we are daily witnessing the results of this un-
doubtedly electrical force as exerted by us upon people
and objects, we are just as cognizant of a similar force
that seems distinct from electricity, though closely resem-
bling it in its laws of action.
Cuvier, one of the greatest zoologists, noticed this dis-
tinction. He had %" no shadow of doubt that the prox-
imity of two animate bodies in certain positions has a real
effect independent of the imagination of one of the two."
Pliny, another great naturalist, who perished while in-
vestigating that eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed
Pompeii, wrote, nearly twenty centuries before Cuvier:
||" There surely exists in men a certain power of changing,
attracting and of binding whatever he desires or wills to
attract, change, bind or impede." One familiar example
of this power is the soothing or inspiriting effect of suitable
music upon us. The band is as necessary to the army as
its other equipment ; and in olden time King Saul could
only be decoyed from madness by the soothing strains of
David, the harpist, and the Sweet Singer of Israel. The
value of music as a conductor of this force is referred to
by one of the best known §Greek writers as being success-
fully employed from the earliest times upon man and beast.
*Compte Rendu, 1849, p. 576.
-(■Tragedy of Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I.
JAnatomie Comparee, Tome II, p. 117.
|| Pliny's Natural History, X, 142.
§Xenophon's Memorabilia II,[10 sq.
THE UNIVERSAL ETHER. 37
In many ways we find proof of the fact that there are some
results caused by some mysterious power that seems to be
different from anything mechanical, electrical, mental or
physical ; it must evidently be a new force — scientifically.
A German writer of high authority says : *" Of its
nature we are as ignorant as we are of light and electricity ;
but with its properties we are nearly as well acquainted as
with those of light or other imponderable agents."
When we recall how many centuries electricity had been
known, used and investigated, and even now cannot be
said to be understood satisfactorily, we may feel more
reconciled to the comparative ignorance that exists as to
this force that has also been used and studied for ages, and
is more or less consciously exerted by everyone. We see
here a strong probability that marvelous developments
and applications of this force may at any time reward the
successful investigator.
In our natural haste to satisfy curiosity we must not
forget that even the highest science can never explain the
phenomena of nature. It can only discover results, classify
them and deduce a theory to link them logically together ;
but these hypothesis are not explanations.
This desire for an "understanding" of every new phe-
nomenon has hindered the practical employment of this
force for the serious concerns of daily life. It has been
relegated to the deceivers, until it is popularly identified
with hallucination and humbug. To rescue this valuable
endowment of nature from the unwarranted neglect which
it has suffered because of this ill-advised prejudice, has
been the underlying purpose of these chapters with their
accompanying exercises. Let us then impartially consider
some statements that are based upon a widespread region
of homogeneous fact.
There is some force, means or agent by which mind is
enabled to act on matter, and yet which is itself entirely
distinct from mind or matter.
°Muller's Physiology, III.
38 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
This agent must be ranked with the kindred attractive
forces of nature, such as electricity, gravity, capillarity, &c.
It is quite similar in its operation to magnetism and elec-
tricity, and perhaps invariably is accompanied by them.
It is developed together with and augmented by what
I may term muscular electricity, both being greatest in
nervous temperaments.
Shakespeare's Hamlet, when so excited as to imagine
that he sees the spirit of his father, becomes surcharged
with this electro-nervous principle as to act upon the
imagination of others until they have the same mental
picture. Those strange epidemics that gave rise to the
Crusades, may be readily accounted for. And many scien-
tific writers ascribe the equally strange developments dur-
ing the disgraceful days of witchcraft in New England to
an epidemic of this same subtile agent.
The changing hues of the chamelion are now discovered
to be accompanied by the electro-nervous symtoms that
betoken a great development of this force.
♦Wilkinson and fLane testify to the employment of this
force during the entire history of Egypt, down to the pres-
ent day. J Ancient writers certify to the same knowledge
and practice among other nations.
The process of initiation into the mysteries of those
occult arts, which have practically employed this vital
force, reveals the necessity for strong will-power and
nervo-electric tension to develop this force to its utmost
in the special direction desired. ||The novitiate must sit
by a lonely fire all night in a dense jungle and faithfully
stir some mysterious ingredients.
This calls to jaind the witches visited by Macbeth, al-
luded to above. A person who could endure this ordeal
would possess an unusual amouut of mental and nervous
°Ancient Egyptians.
tCustoms ot modern Egyptians.
JAelian, Liber I, and Strabo, XIII, XVII. Also Herodotus II, IV ;
Macrobius, Sat. I; Pliny, LX; Diodorus Siculus, I.
j| Buyer's Northern India, 369 sq.
THE UNIVERSAL ETHER. 39
control. In these things we must agree with Pliny, who
said, concerning Magic, "It is dishonest, useless and
frivolous, but nevertheless has its shades of truth." Their
confidence in the existence of a reality in connection with
those feats, led all the ancient philosophers to attempt a
solution of the problems. Galen «aid, *" These things I
have not tested, neither have I denied them ; because, if
we had not seen the magnet attracting iron, we would not
believe it." Cicero, in like scientific manner said, f u I
am contented in that even if I am ignorant in what way
a thing happens, yet what does happen I know. And
different minds must come to substantially the same con-
clusions."
Various terms have been applied to this mysterious
force. Plato called it the " soul of the world." Others
called it the " plastic spirit of the world," while Descartes
gave it the afterward popular name of " animal spirits."
The Stoics called it simply " nature," which is now
generally changed to " nervous principle."
In the earliest days there prevailed a theory that all
motive influences in nature — which we know to be, as they
insisted, intermediate between spirit and matter — make up
the soul of the world, which embraces human spirits.
Long before Plato, it was believed, that there is one great
pervading, embracing, universal spirit, filling immensity.
This was the moving power of all material things.
Cicero, in commenting on this theory, says : J" In what
way this mysterous influence is communicated, can no
more be explained than can any other mysteries of nature's
simplest operations, as for example, the growth of plants."
Various have been the philosophies and theologies that
this primal hypothesis has been made to 'establish. This,
however, need not blind us to the theory itself, so far as
it relates to phenomena that seem to accord with it. But,
some two centuries since, an eminent astronomer, Huygens,
°" On Incantation in Healing." '
• f" De Divinatione." ]. II.
JDe Divinatione. Liber II, 22.
40 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
whose researches perfected the pendulum and the air-
pump, adopted a corresponding theory, and called the all-
pervading substance " Ether." In this he was joined by-
other mathematicians and the view is generally accepted
now.
They believe that all space, including the very sub-
stance of things, is filled by a subtile, elastic fluid, analo-
gous to air, by the undulations of which all phenomena of
motion — such as light, heat, electricity, etc.— are produced.
Experiment has demonstrated the existence of such a sub-
stance in a vacuum, and everything seems to fall in line
with the hypothesis.
In the light of this modern theory, how clearly do wc
see the idea that Plutarch held when he said : *" There is
a universal medium. For since there are very many
worlds, and to each one its own medium, all substances
must on all sides approach one medium. This is by some
considered supernatural; but in reality it is natural; a
faculty of our minds."
The above mentioned epidemics of nervous phenomena,
that evidenced an abnormal exercise of this principle,
would accord with this theory.
We may therefore feel confident that there is, what we
might call, a universal atmosphere which encompasses, at
least, all beings on this globe. Just as we individually
breathe the same air and take our separate lives from its
chemicals, so this ethereal principle sustains our power of
activity and personal influence, and is everywhere ready
to be judiciously used, or refused, as we will.
So careful a writer as Herschel thus sums up our knowl-
edge on these questions : f"P er haps the most remarkable
effects of electricity disclosed by the researches of Galvani
and Volta, consisted in its influence on the nervous sys-
tem of animals. The origin of muscular motion is one of
those profound mysteries of nature which we can scarcely
venture to hope will ever be fully explained. Physio-
°Plutarchi Opera. liber VII, passim.
"^Preliminary Discourse on Natural Philosophy, by Sir John Herschel
THE UNIVEESAL ETHER. 41
logists had long entertained a general conception of the
conveyance of some subtile fluid, or spirit, from the brain
to the muscles, along the nerves. This will probably
ever remain inexplicable ; but the principle once estab-
lished that there exists in the animal economy a power of
determining the development of electrical excitement,
capable of being transmitted along the nerves, it became
an easy step to refer the origin of muscular action to a
similar cause."
Another investigator has said : *" The primitive fibres
of all the voluntary nerves being at their central extremity
all spread out in the brain to receive the influence of the
will, we may compare them to the keys of a piano on
which our thoughts play or strike, and thus give rise to
currents or vibrations of the nervous principle in a certain
number of primitive fibres, and consequently to motions."
With Hesiod commenced the philosophic theories of the
Greeks. He suggested to them the sublime conception
that all spiritual beings and material existences are united
by a chain. Pythagorus followed with that majestic '
theory described by Timaeus, in the " soul of the world."
That theory of mutual attractions that holds worlds in
their places, making them give forth as they move in their
orbits, a the music of the spheres." Plato perfected that
system, which, resolved all immaterial principles, such as
chemical, capillary and magnetic attractions, and the
wider attraction which holds worlds in their places, into
one " circle " or ring of influences.
This opens up an immeasurable field for the imagination,
and satisfies us that we are all more closely linked with
the universe and its wonderful secrets and potent forces,
than would seem possible to the casual thinker. We
could wish that this might act as an inspiration to the
student of Personal Magnetism, urging him steadily on
through the necessary training that will prepare him to
lay hold with an almost Herculean grasp of the powers
that a lavishly beneficent nature has scattered around him.
•Mueller's Phys. Book III, 1.
" The Meaning of all Terms should be made Clear to the Student."
Chapter Seven.
DEFINITIONS.
1. "Mechanics of Personal Magnetism." A series of
Exercises and Regulations whereby the nerves are made
subject to the will, and are then super-charged with mag-
netic power.
2. "Negative Mechanics" That portion of the exer-
cises set apart for the special purpose of removing nervous
defects and tendencies.
3. "Positive Mechanics" That portion of the exercises
set apart for the special purpose of super-charging the
nervous system with magnetism.
4. "Regime" The daily conduct of the pupil.
5. " Internal Energy " A certain power within, which
is able to direct the magnetic forces outward.
6. "External Energy" The mere muscular action of
the body, which, when not acting in unison with Internal
Energy, wastes the nerve-force.
7. "Nerve-Force" An electro-magnetic influence of a
vibrating character, generated by the principle of life, and
usually wasted at the surface of the body, but capable of
travelling great distances and controlling any form of life
which can hear, see or feel, more especially the Human
race. When so used it is popularly called " Personal
Magnetism."
8. "Nervousness" The action of the vital-force moving
without command from the will, or contrary to the will.
9. "Nervous Prostration" The exhaustion of the vital-
force, or an inability to generate a sufficient amount to
supply the waste. It is well to distinguish between this
malady and nervousness. The former is, of course, the
DEFINITIONS. 43
outgrowth of the latter. While the nerve-force is in good
supply, bat erratic in its action, it is called "nervousness."
In persons suffering from prostration there is generally
no erratic action, as the vitality is too weak.
This exhaustion robs the blood circulation of its tone
or health.
It weakens the bones by making them like the bones of
dead people.
It weakens the stomach.
It destroys the tone of the cuticle and skin by the dead-
wood of weak fibres.
It weakens the hearing by causing a part of the sounds
to be obscured.
It weakens the sight and causes films or small specs to
move in front of the eyes.
It weakens the mind and often leads to insanity by the
exhaustion of the nerve-force.
Nervous prostration and the tendency to it may be cured
by the exercises of this book.
Medicine never yet cured or prevented a case of nervous
prostration.
People who do not care to cultivate magnetism may
simply devote themselves to the " Negative Mechanics "
in the lessons to follow, and they will thereby obtain bene-
fits to the nervous system that can be procured in no
other way.
10. " Voluntary Muscles." Those that may be moved
in obedience to the will.
11. " Involuntary Muscles" Those over which the will
has little or no control, moving in obedience to the laws
of life. Their action being slower, no loss of nerve-force
occurs.
12. "Straight Lines" Imaginary lines in the air
through which the extremes of the body pass in making
movements.
13. " Extremes" Any part of the body from which, by
shaking, water could be thrown, as the fingers, elbows,
head, feet, knees, and others.
44 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
14. "Angles" Sharp tarns made in any movement.
15. " Circles." Imaginary rings made in any movement.
16. "Curve*" Parts of circles.
17. "Leakage" The outflow of nerve-force from any one
or more of the extremes of the body ; this outflow is caused
by constant small motions which are unperceived by the
person making them, but which in a few hours will pass
off into the air, great quantities of vitality, that, had it
been retained would have been converted into magnetism.
Leakage always occurs without Internal Energy. The
latter power is capable of being developed so as to supply
an unlimited quantity of nerve-force.
18. "Leaker." A person whose waste vitality has not
been checked by training. Everybody who has not passed
through the Negative Mechanics of this book is a leaker.
"Utiles are made by Man ; Principles by some Higher Power. 11
Chapter Eight.
RULES FOR PRACTICE.
Rule 1. — Always practice in a room or place where no
other person is present ; unless it is somebody who owns a
book, and is practicing with you. This latter arrangement
is better, as it will expedite the counterpart practice of the
next volume of advanced lessons in the u Magnetic control
of others. "
Rule 2. — Always write down upon blank leaves pasted
in the book, at every other page, the time you spend in prac-
tice, and any questions that may occur to you.
Rule 3. — When any fatigue or excessive irritation is
apparent, stop and rest, closing the eyes ; then resume. The
tired feeling will pass away after a few rests.
Rule 4. — Practice at host once every day the Dead Still
Sitting Exercise, No. 44 of Chapter — and the Dead Still
JStanding Exercise, No. 52 of the same Chapter ; no matter
what else you may be doing.
Rule 5. — Seek to adopt in daily life all the results sought
for in all the exercises, and also the suggestions under Re-
gime.
Rule 6. — Read and re-read the descriptive Chapters of
this book, at the rate of at least one Chapter each week, repeat-
ing when the descriptive poiiion has been finished.
Rule 7. — Do not loan this book to any person, not even
your wife or husband or to any member of your family.
46 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
This book should be your teacher ; it should bear your
notes ; it should stand in a closer relation to you than any
other thing; the reason of all this will appear in the
next volume of Advanced Lessons in the "Magnetic Con-
trol of Others."
" We know what we can Prove ; aU else is Speculation."
Chapter Nine.
EXPERIMENTS.
Every word of this book up to the present page should
be carefully read and understood before proceeding further.
This having been faithfully done, the pupil is ready for
actual trainingjin the Mechanics of Personal Magnetism."
You are a stranger to us ; we know nothing about your
nerves or their defects. We simply know that no person
possesses perfect nerves, unless they have been carefully
trained. Defects abound everywhere. The chief defect
is called " Leakage of Magnetic Force."
The experiments of this chapter are designed to detect
and stop this leakage. Let us for a few lines consider the
subject of leakage.
It must be constantly borne in mind that the human
body is an electric battery of no ordinary degree, and may
be made one of mighty force ; that as Faraday once said,
a grain of water contains latent electricity enough to gen-
erate a thunder storm, so every particle of the body is
charged with this agent ; that the principle of life is con-
stantly generating it, and by the action of the will it may
be made dynamic and then magnetic ; and finally, that the
magnetic force of the body, which all persons possess, is
constantly passing away, oozing away, or in a better and
more homely terra, leaking..
Many persons will possess much more. magnetic force
if they stop the leaks of their body. This word leak re-
fers to a passing out and away from one's control of this
power into an ether or inner atmosphere, which pervades
everything, not only the air of the earth, but the realms
48 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
of space, where no air exists. This ether by its vibratory
activity will readily carry a magnetic impulse as swiftly
as lightning travels the clouds.
In the thousands of experiments which the author has
made to substantiate the truth of the tests employed in
this chapter, it has uniformly appeared that the magnetic
force of the body is lost in any of the following ways :
1. Sudden starts.
2. Sudden stops.
3. Angular or sharp turns.
4. Shaking or trembling.
5. Unsteadiness.
It will be seen that water cannot stay upon the hand if
a quick motion is given the hand in starting. Place some
beans carefully poised on the back of the right hand, so
easily moved that any suddenness of motion will dislodge
them. If the hand commences to move quickly the beans
fall; or, if while moving the hand stops quickly, the beans
fall.
The magnetic force of the body is even more delicate.
Every sudden start, however slight, throws off this valu-
able influence, and a sudden stop is equally bad.
To carry out the illustration further with the beans,
which in fact are not so delicately poised as the magnetic
force, let the hand commence a movement, and instead of
suddenly stopping, turn sharply; this will dislodge the
beans. So by shaking or trembling it would be an easy
matter to throw off water or any other substance from the
hand or body, as the dog shakes himself dry.
The fifth cause, "Unsteadiness," is the most serious
wasting agent of magnetic force known. Persons who are
said to have unsteady nerves, or those who cannot perfectly
control every motion of the body, even in the most delicate
undertakings, are the greatest leakers of magnetic force.
It is oozing out every moment of their waking hours and
nearly all the time during sleep. From sunrise to sunrise,
leak, leak, leak !
EXPERIMENTS. 49
A principle of great importance is involved here. The
proposition is this :
1. The principle of life generates magnetic force in
normal quantities.
2. " Internal Energy " generates it in great quantities,
and supercharges the nerves and brains.
3. Persons of normal self-control use it only as fast as
it is generated.
4. Persons who leak, or leakers, waste it much faster
than it generates, by which temporary exhaustion or very
tired feelings are produced ; and every unusual exertion
in business, or in thinking, causes great weariness. Such
persons are unfitted for great undertakings in life, while
this leak is going on. They attribute it to ill-health and
swallow bottles of medicine, when no medicine will reach
the difficulty.
5. "Internal Energy" supplies the magnetic force as
fast as it can possibly be used.
6. Leakers have no Internal Energy, and consequently
cannot supply the waste.
7. All persons are leakers (unless trained).
8. Leakers must therefore check the waste, which is
THE WORK OF THIS CHAPTER.
9. They then have normal self-control.
10. The next step will be to develop " Internal Energy ."
When this is accomplished, the final process is to acquire
the " Magnetic Control of Others." While all these pro-
cesses are going on the pupil is growing healthier, heartier,
more manly and more womanly in a physical sense ; the
nerves and brains are reaching a state of health and power
that will give tone to anything undertaken in life.
Much will be said and done later on in this book con-
cerning " Internal Energy." At present we hasten to the
EXPERIMENTS.
We shall in the first place endeavor to learn how far
you may be deficient in perfect nerves. Weak nerve-con-
trol is the chief cause of leakage.
50 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
To make your work more intelligible to yourself, please
answer the following questions :
First question. What is Human Magnetism ?
Second question. What is the Will ? '
Third question. What is Magnetic Force ?
Fourth question. What is Leakage ?
Fifth question. What relation is Leakage to Nervous-
ness?
Make your answers in writing, first, without looking
back under "Definitions," and then compare your answers
with the text.
FIRST EXPERIMENT.
Take a sheet of note paper, neither too stiff nor too thin ;
tear it in halves ; hold one half of it in the hand by plac-
ing the thumb and two fingers at the lower corner of the
paper, holding the hand about a foot from the chest, and
the elbow away from the body. The entire arm must be
free — that is, must not touch anything, nor have any means
of support.
If a mirror is convenient it is well to locate some fine
spot on the glass (if it has none, place an ink spot there),
and hold the paper so that the upper opposite corner from
that in the hand shall be on an exact line with the eye and
the spot on the mirror. Hold this for twelve seconds,
and note the deviation of the corner of the paper from the
spot. If there is no deviation, you are ready to undertake
the second experiment. If there is, you should practice
this until you can prevent any departure, however slight,
from the spot indicated.
SECOND EXPERIMENT..
Take a sheet of Congress paper, tear it in halves and
hold it in the same manner as in the first exercise. Per-
sist in practicing until there is no. deviation 6ven of a
hair's breadth. Do not be discouraged if it takes weeks,
and if you do not see any change at all at first. The left
hand may be employed about one-quarter of the time, or
EXPERIMENTS. 51
*
vice versa, if the pupil is left-handed. It may be necessary
to resort to Regime for aid in hard caaes.
THIRD EXPERIMENT.
When the last exercise has been mastered the pupil may
take a sheet of the larger size foolscap paper, tear it in
halves, and continue as before.
FOURTH EXPERIMENT.
When the third exercise has been , accomplished the
pupil may take an entire sheet of foolscap paper, and,
without tearing it, open the whole sheet and hold it by the
lower corner, having the thumb and two fingers upon as
small a portion of it as possible. The paper must be just
stiff enough to stand alone. Making a hollow curve diag-
onally across the centre will aid in keeping it stiff".
Be sure that the elbow has no support and is extended
from the body.
FIFTH EXPERIMENT.
Fill a goblet two-thirds full of water; take it at the
small part, just above the bottom, by the thumb and first
finger only, and hold it for thirty seconds on a level with
the chin, the elbow being away from the body and the
whole arm' free. The water must not shake or even trem-
ble. Rest.
Hold it in the same way, employing the thumb and
second finger only, for thirty seconds. Rest.
Hold it in the same way, employing the thumb and third
finger only, for thirty seconds. Rest.
, Hold it in the same way, employing the thumb and little
finger only, for thirty seconds. Rest.
Your patience will be sorely tried.
These- experiments will seem to make you " nervous ; "
you will say that instead of making you control yourself
better, they irritate and vex your nerves. So it will seem
at first, and likewise at all times when your leakage is
52 LESSONB IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
going on rapidly. This apparent " nervousness " is really
the rebellious leakage being checked. It dislikes to be
stopped. A " nervous " person wants to let the leakage go
on until complete prostration ensues. There is a tempo-
rary agony in the checking of the outflow of this vital
force. While the loss is going on the person walks and
moves about, swings the feet or twitches the hands, tears
paper, fingers some button or watch chain, gets in a rock-
ing-chair sometimes, and shows every manner of restless-
ness. The down hill grade has begun.
To check it is at first to make the person suffer. Yet
the great men and women of the world have somehow
learned to stop this waste. Those who want to achieve
greatness, or ever wish to learn to control others, must
endure the suffering.
In conversation with those who have been magnetic and
have been successful in life, it was learned that every one
had made some effort to, check this waste of vital force.
Not one knew the principle involved, and not one had
the advantage of any guide or help ; and stranger yet,
neither knew that any other person was endeavoring to
reach the same result. Such conversations proved that
our great men and women do more for themselves in
private than the public suppose. Some of their efforts are
often simple, child-like and even ridiculous. Yet they
accomplish great ends.
You who give up now had better cease to hope for much
in this world in the way of commanding talents.
SIXTH EXPERIMNET.
Take a goblet (not a tumbler) even full at the top with
water. Place the bottom in the flat palm of the hand and
hold the same at arm's length. The water must not be
allowed to spill or even shake or tremble. The other hand
may be tried occasionally. Then take two goblets of
water, one in each hand, the water coming to the stop and
slightly rising above the edge. Hold these in the two
EXPERIMENTS. 53
hands out at arm's length for thirty seconds, without the
slightest tremor or shake of the water.
You will not be able to do this at first, but perform it
daily for a month and you will be surprised at the result.
If you give it up before the full design is effected, you will
yet learn what patience is, and patience helps to overcome
the erratic action of the vital-force.
SEVENTH EXPERIMENT.
Go to some black-board, or, if you have none, procure
a large sheet of stiff, dark-brown paper, or any substance
on which a chalk mark will show. This should be up-
right. Previous to using the chalk you should draw with
a lead pencil or pen a horizontal line across the middle of
the board or paper, also a perpendicular line up the centre
of the same, and a circle as large as the board or paper
will allow, providing it is not more than three feet in di-
ameter. This circle may be made by tying the end of a
string into a loop, in which the pen or pencil is placed,
while the other end of the string is attached to the centre
of the intended circle, which may then be drawn with ac-
curacy. Indelible lines should be made if possible, but
do not have them wide. The finer the better.
As this exercise is of great importance and must be
practiced often, and as the expense of a black-board, forty
inches square, with white painted lines, is very slight, a
well-equiped pupil will have one.
The first part of this experiment consists of tracing the
horizontal line with a piece of chalk sharpened to a point,
commencing first at the extreme left and moving the chalk
slowly but smoothly to the extreme right. There must be
no stopping nor jerking in the movement, and the same
rate of speed must continue the same through the whole
distance. Do not hurry and do not be very slow. The
elbow must be free from the body and unsupported.
The object to be attained is to cover with the chalk line
the permanent line of the board without stopping, halting
54 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
or hesitation, without deviation or departure from the
permanent line.
The line having been traced to the right, it should be
traced back again to the left hand. When this is perfectly
mastered the same movements should be tried with the left
hand. Do not expect to accomplish this in p week.
The next part of the experiment consists in tracing the
perpendicular line in the same way, first down, then up
with the right hand, and the same way with the left hand.
Avoid haste.
The third part of this experiment consists in tracing
the circle, first from right to left and reverse with one
handy and the same with the other hand. To a person
whose vital-force has never been subjected to training it
will appear difficult to trace the circle and not depart from
the permanent line, at the same time preserving an even
motion free from jerks, halts or haste. The circle may be
traced two or three times in one continuous sweep of the
hand' if no stop occurs and if the cKalk line does not leave
the fine line of the board.
It is advisable to stop as soon a failure occurs, even if
but an inch or two has been traced.
EIGHTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat the exercises of the First Experiment, accom-
panied by a full, deep, prolonged respiration; that is,
commence to breathe in as you commence to perform each
exercise, continuing the exercise while the inhalation is
going on, and prolonging one inhalation long after you
think it impossible to hold more air, and then exhaling in
the same way.
NINTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Second Experiment.
EXPERIMENTS. 55
TENTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Third Experiment.
ELEVENTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Fourth Experiment.
TWELFTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Fifth Experiment.
THIRTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Sixth Experiment.
FOURTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
Repeat with respiration in the way last described, the
exercises of the Seventh Experiment.
FIFTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
Hold the arm free from the body and wholly unsup-
ported, and very slowly and smoothly cause the thumb
and forefinger to approach each other, touching as lightly
as possible, without pressure. Both thumb and finger
should meet half way.
Repeat this with each of the other fingers and the
thumb.
SIXTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
Hold the arm out at full length, in front, the hand on a
height with the eye. Form an index hand, the back fac-
ing upward, the point of the first finger on a line with
the eye and some spot on the wall. Hold this forty-jive
seconds without allowing the point of the finger to move
a hair's breadth.
56 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
SEVENTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
Approach some object (a table or desk is sufficient),
and gently lay the points of the fingers upon it, commen-
cing with the little finger, then the others in turn, and
finally the thumb. This must be done slowly and with-
out jerks.
EIGHTEENTH EXPERIMENT.
While in a large room try to follow with the steady eye
a line on a height with the head, or if there is no line, then
an imaginary one, first from left to right, and reverse. Do
this slowly fifty times each way. The eye must not move
by small muscular jerks, but very smoothly and slowly.
It is not easy to do, and do well. Do not wink while do-
ing it.
If out-doors try it by following a horizontal line of mor-
tar on a brick building, or the clap-board of a wooden
one.
To those to whom the object of the foregoing experi-
ments may not seen clear, it will be necessary to say a
word : —
The pupil is asked to remember that the vital-force is
the life of the body ; from it is generated the Magnetism
which controls others. It is constantly being formed, and
some portion of it is constantly in motion. It propels the
action of the involuntary organs by the decree of its Maker,
and without the direction of the human will. The heart
circulates the blood ; the diaphragm attends to the breath-
ing; and the stomach propels itself during digestion; and
thus the trinity of life's movements, without each and all
of which life itself would cease, may be traced to the
action of the vital-foi*ce, and through that to some power
beyond.
But here the line is drawn, and one of the Grand Prin-
ciples of the Mechanics of Personal Magnetism is called
into requisition : —
*■
J
EXPERIMENTS. 57
"No movement of any voluntary muscle of the human
body must be made unles directed by the will."
The voluntary muscles are those whose motions may
be operated by the conscious being.
As has been stated heretofore " nervousness " is a leak-
age of the Magnetic-force unpropelled by Internal Energy.
How much takes place may be seen in the foregoing
experiments. Any trembling of the paper held in the
hand, or any deviation of the chalk from the straight or
curved lines is caused by the erratic action of the above-
named force, or, in other words, it shows a leakage of the
" Magnetic Power ;" for, as we move the hand in one in-
stance, so we move the whole body in others.
Leakage occurs in the following ways :
1. By unsteadiness of the hands, arms or body.
2. Twitching of the eyelids, or constant winking.
3. Drumming with the fingers after the habit has been
formed, or with the feet.
4. Sighing.
5. Gaping.
6. Wakefulness.
7. Swinging of the armSj hands, legs, feet, head or
body.
8. Booking, after the habit has been formed.
9. Kestlessness.
10. Twitching of the fingers, or any movement of any
part of the body during embarrassment, or while speaking
or being spoken to.
11. All kinds of embarrassment.
12. Awkwardness.
13. Longer exhalations (in point of time) than inhala-
tions.
14. Stammering and stuttering.
15. Lack of fluency in speech where it cannot be attrib-
uted to want of words or ideas.
Who are exempt from all of these?
The cool, determined, successful, magnetic people of the
world.
"The Sands of Life Commence to Ebb in Infancy; we must Check
them, if we would live for many years."
Chapter Ten.
DEAD STILL EXERCISES.
Next to the Chapter on Nerve Calisthenics, which ap-
pears in another portion of this volume, the Dead Still
Exercises are by far the most important of any.
As a good student studies all his life, so there must be
a constant use made of the principles involved in this
Chapter, as long as the pupil lives. The exercises may be
abandoned in a few months after they have grown into
habit, but do not abandon the results they produce. The
dead still attitudes concentrate the electrical or static forces,
giving them an opportunity to accumulate while Internal
Energy is going, and by a change of the static into the
dynamic form of electricity, intense Personal Magnetism
is developed.
Pupils have to grow into this power; they cannot jump
at a bound. After the force has commenced to grow, it
can be kept growing for many years, just as a child grows
into manhood.
The pleasantest period of one's study of this Art is when
he or she experiences the consciousness of the presence of
a new power within, the Internal Energy. We would
gladly lead the pupil to that happy condition by a flight
to the mountain top, avoiding the toilsome plodding
through the valley, if we could ; but we cannot. Patience
is a test of character ; you must have character enough to
be patient as you go slowly through the tedious drill of
this Chapter.
Later on we shall commence the formation of Internal
Energy. The principle is as follows : —
DEAD STILL EXERCISES. 59
1. The accumulation and concentration of Magnetic
Force can take place only while the body is dead still,
ami while Internal Energy is going on within.
2. The slightest movement of a voluntary muscle dur-
ing accumulation causes rapid leakage.
You can see now why the dead still exercises of this
Chapter ought to be mastered. If, when you attain some
distinct results, you will compare your mode of conduct
and mannerisms with those of the most magnetic and most
successful men and women of the present day, you will see
a surprising similarity, although the species may differ
somewhat.
PART I.
SITTING STRAIGHT.
The movements which lead to the sitting position and
those which lead from it are elsewhere described, together
with the principles underlying them. This exercise deals
only with the attitude of sitting.
Attach to the wall or to some object directly in front of
your chair on a height with the eyes, a watch having a
second hand. If you do not possess this article, mental
counting must be substituted ; that is, count silently one
to each second, as nearly as may be estimated in the
mind.
Sit down. Take as easy a position as possible, without
supporting the back.
1. Looking steadily at the watch, (which must be on a
level with the eyes,) try to avoid winking for five seconds.
Rest a few seconds.
2. On resuming you may take the mind from the wink-
ing, and think exclusively of the fingers. Look steadily
at the watch for five seconds and be sure that no movement
of the fingers takes place. Rest a few seconds. Do not
hurry, as it will cause a loss of time and labor.
3. Resume and look steadily at the watch for ten seconds,
60 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
without allowing the eyelids to move in the slightest
degree. Rest a few seconds.
4. Resume and look steadily at the watch for ten
seconds, without allowing the fingers to move in the
slightest degree. Rest a few seconds.
5. Resume and look steadily at the watch for fifteen
seconds, eyelids dead still as before.
6. Resume and look steadily at the watch for fifteen
seconds, fingers dead still as before.
7. Twenty seconds, eyelids dead still.
8. Twenty seconds, fingers dead still.
9. Thirty seconds, eyelids dead still.
10. Thirty seconds, fingers dead still.
11. Forty-five seconds, eyelids dead still.
12. Forty-five seconds, fingers dead still.
13. Sixty seconds, eyelids dead still.
14. Sixty seconds, fingers dead still.
15. Ninety seconds, eyelids dead still.
Note. — When the eyes begin to water continue
only five seconds after the unpleasant feeling begins.
Do not keep too long at one time on the eye move-
ments. Judicious practice will strengthen the eyes
very much.
16. Ninety seconds, fingers dead still.
17. One hundred and twenty seconds, fingers dead still,
and the eyelids as long as possible.
18. One hundred and fifty seconds, fingers dead still,
and the eyelids as long as possible.
19. One hundred and eighty seconds, fingers dead still,
and the eyelids as long as possible.
20. Two hundred and ten seconds, fiogers dead still, and
the eyelids as long as possible.
21. Two hundred and forty seconds, fingers dead still,
and the eyelids as long as possible.
A repetition of the foregoing exercises with the addition
of breathing is given below ; this repetition would not be
necessary in the book were it not designed to preserve a
list of numbered exercises so that the pupil may check off
L
-*•* ■■ T i m
DEAD STILL EXERCISES. 61
each days work by numbers upon the blank pages which
should be pasted in this volume, as before suggested.
22. Repeat Exercise No. 1, of this Chapter while res-
piring in a full, deep and prolonged manner ; five seconds,
eyelids dead still, and of course looking steadily at the
watch.
[These details will be understood without repeating
them in the following.]
23. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 2; five
seconds, fingers dead still.
24. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 3 ; ten
seconds, eyelids dead still.
25. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 4; ten
seconds, fingers dead still.
26. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 5 ; fifteen
seconds, eyelids dead still.
27. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 6; fifteen
seconds, fingers dead still.
28. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 7; twenty
seconds, eyelids dead still.
29. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 8 ; twenty
seconds, fingers dead still.
30. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 9 ; thirty
seconds, eyelids dead still.
31. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 10 ; thirty
seconds, fingers dead still.
32. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 11; forty-
five seconds, eyelids dead still.
33. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 12 ; forty-
five seconds, fingers dead still.
34. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 13 ; sixty
seconds, eyelids dead still.
35. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 14 ; sixty
seconds, fingers dead still.
36. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 15; ninety
seconds, eyelids dead still.
37. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 16 ; ninety
seconds, fingers dead still.
62 LESSONS IK PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
38. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 17; one
hundred and twenty seconds, fingers dead still, and the eye-
lids as long as possible.
39. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 18 ; one
hundred and fifty seconds, fingers dead still, and the eye-
lids as long as possible.
40. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 19; one
hundred and eighty seconds, fingers dead still, and the eye-
lids as long as possible.
41. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 20; two
hundred and ten seconds, fingers dead still, and the eye-
lids as long as possible.
42. Unite deep respiration with Exercise No. 21 ; two
hundred and forty seconds, fingers dead still, and the eye-
lids as long as possible.
PART II.
After the foregoing parts have been well practiced, the
following should be tried :
43. Look steadily at the watch for three minutes, not
moving a muscle of the body, and keeping the mind upon
the feet and especially the toes. The extremities of the
body, the* fingers and the toes, and the eyelids are the
first parts to show " nervousness " or leakage. These
must be watched at all times during the day, as well as in
these exercises.
^ 44. Look steadily at the watch for three minutes, keep-
ing the mind upon the entire body } being sure that no
motion of any kind occurs in any part. This exercise
should be performed daily as long as the person lives.
The good that grows out of a long continuance of it can-
not be estimated.
Notes. — All the foregoing exercises refer to the sitting
posture, the back being unsupported at the time.
It is better to have the light behind you.
The watch may be four feet away unless you are near-
sighted.
DEAD STILL EXERCISES. 63
PAET III.
LOUNGING, DEAD STILL.
45. Take a sitting position allowing the body to fall
into a lounging attitude of perfect ease; hold this position
without a movement of the fingers, toes, arms, eyelids or
head.
Maintain for two minutes, watching some object stead-
ily.
PART IV.
STANDING, DEAD STILL.
Arrange a watch as in the first exercises, on a height
with the head, and as far away as the hands can be easily
seen. In standing allow the arms to hang at the sides as
dead weight?. If all muscular tension is taken out of
them they will hang easily and properly. The weight of
the entire body should be borne on the balls of the feet,
the heels merely touching the floor.
46. Stand for thirty seconds, fixing the mind upon the
eyelids, fingers and toes. Do not move any -of these a
hair's breadth.
47. Stand for thirty seconds, fixing the mind upon the
entire body, and draw in full and very long and deep in-
spirations, exhaling when necessary, all without the
slightest swaying of the body or rocking to and fro, or
movement of any voluntary muscle. It is a good idea to
keep the chest fully extended and immovable and the
shoulders down,. but not back.
48. Stand for sixty seconds, keeping the mind on the
entire body as before.
49. Stand for ninety seconds, keeping the mind upon
the fingers, toes and eyelids, seeing that they remain im-
movable.
50. Stand for one hundred and twenty seconds, keeping
the mind upon the entire body, seeing that there is not
64 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
the slightest movement anywhere; at the same time respir-
ing very deeply and fully.
51. Stand for one hundred and fifty seconds, keeping
the mind on the fingers, toes and eyelids, seeing that they
are motionless, of course in all these exercises the eyes
look fixedly at one spot.
^ 52. Stand for three minutes dead still, as to every vol-
untary muscle of the body ; the hands at the side ; the
second and third fingers of the right hand touching each
other very lightly ; the same as to the left hand ; the eyes
looking fixedly at some object.
This exercise is so important that it should be practiced
every day during life.
53. Stand for one minute with the entire body dead
still, and the arm raised so as to allow the wrist to rest
lightly against the body, near the hip, and a little in
front. Either arm will do. Do not move the eyes or
lids, nor any muscle of the body.
54. Advance to a table, place the first finger of the
hand very lightly upon it, and look steadily for one min-
ute at some fixed object; the whole body being dead still.
As the first inclination to move will be at the fingers,
toes, eyes or eyelids, all these points of leakage should be
guarded.
Note. — Exercises 44 and 52 of this Chapter should be
practiced daily. See Rules.
"He Who cannot control Himself cannot expect to control others"
Chapter Eleven.
« NERVOUSNESS" AS SHOWN BY THE MOVE-
MENTS OF THE BODY,
WITH TEN EXERCISES FOR STOPPING THE LEAKAGE OP
HUMAN VITALITY.
It is said that a " nervous " person is restless in the
whole or some part of the body. Irritable movements are
the detectives of this malady. These movements show an
inability to control the leakage that is constantly going on
in the vital-force.
There are many persons who, when advised to sit dill,
cannot do so ; it makes them feel still more irritable, or, as
some people express it, as though they would " fly," if they
try to subdue all motion at once.
It would be well for such persons before trying to per-
form any of the " Dead Still Exercises" to first attempt
to turn the nervous motions into curves and slow circles.
The principle involved in this simple statement is clearly
seen ; suddenness of motion in starting, stopping or turning
is very exhaustive, but the same movements turned into
curves and slow circles will not only produce no appreci-
able exhaustion, but will soothe and qalm the most irri-
table and " nervous " person.
The author has seen the sweetest sleep induced by
moving the hand very slowly in a slight curve, or what is
called a section of the arc of a very large circle ; and this
where sleeplessness or insomnia had threatened the patient
with insanity. The value of all the exercises to be stated
in this chapter cannot be too highly appreciated; they
5
66 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
will completely cure sleeplessness if followed by a persis-
tent practice of the " Dead Still Exercises " and combined
with the *Lesson8 in Deep Breathing.
It is an interesting experiment, often made by the
author, to inaugurate a " habit " of nervous motion in a
person. For instance, a man who was considered free
from the malady was requested to drum on the table or
at the side of his chair, as often as he could think to do so.
He followed the practice for eight days and had developed
a habit of drumming that he found it impossible to shake
off. He would drum when he was not thinking. It not
only annoyed him, but made those around him " nervous/'
thus proving the theory of the transmission of magnetic
and nervous influences.
The energy of Personal Magnetism is as easily felt by
the person receiving it as the annoyance or irritation of a
process of nervous exhaustion going on in one person is
felt in another. On this principle a fidgety or jerky speaker
irritates his audience ; a similarly constituted person
ostracizes himself from the good feeling of his fellow-
beings, repelling instead of charming.
A person who has no leakage going on is sure to win
favor everywhere; and for a stronger reason a person who
in addition to a freedom from leakage possesses a decided
affirmative power of super-charging his system with mag-
netic force, can compel the favor of his audiences and his
fellow-beings everywhere.
This principle we must continually keep before our
readers and pupils so they may know why certain exercises
and movements are necessary to be mastered before the
chief work can be reached.
EXERCISES FOR TURNING LEAKAGE-MOVEMENTS INTO
CURVES AND SLOW CIRCLES.
Exercise I. The Swinging Leg. This is a bad and
°" Lessons in Artistic Deep Breathing"- by Edmund Shaftesbury.
Price $1.50. Published by the Martyn College of Elocution and Oratory,
Washington, D. C.
NERVOUSNESS. 67
entirely inexcusable habit. Almost everybody who is
addicted to it, is unconscious of it. A clergyman who did
it so much as to annoy others was told of it. He replied :
u Why, my dear sir, you are entirely mistaken. I have
not moved my leg at all." This same clergyman was so
" nervous " in the pulpit, that his usefulness was destroyed.
Voice is merely nerve^power expanding itself,* and every
leakage-movement destroys the magnetic influence of the
tones. Such a clergyman could not expect to win converts.
For Practice. Once every hour devote a minute of your
time to a careful watching of your movements ; also ask
some friend to mention to you at the time any motion of
the leg. Instead of trying to correct the habit by relying
too much on the " Dead Still Exercises," endeavor to turn
the bad habit into a good one. This in time will entirely
supplant the old one.
Most " nervous " motions are made in straight lines
back and forth, or in angles, and the speed is rythmical
coinciding with some count of the pulse. Whenever you
find the leg swinging, do not stop it short, but turn its
motion into a circle or curve, making the movement very
slow indeed, and smooth, coming to a stand-still after a
few circles. If this produces sleepiness it proves that ex-
haustion of the vital-force had gone too far before it was
checked. When a leakage is stopped, natural rest follows ;
but while a leakage is taking place a constant supply from
the principle of life must be going on in order to keep up
the leakage. This produces wakefulness. It will be seen
in the Advanced Lessons that " hard, intense, reactive
thinking produces an unnecessary leakage, that may easily
be stopj ed." This also causes wakefulness, or insomnia,
that leads in time to insanity.
Exercise II. The Swinging Foot. This is a motion
in straight lines, right and left, or in straight lines, up and
p " The Magnetic Voice wins, charms and fascinates all persons within
its reach." See Advanced Lessons, Teaching the Magnetic Control of
Others, or Personal Magnetism Proper, referred to in the last chapter of
the present volume.
68 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
down, of the foot alone, hinging itself at the ankle ; where-
as, the swinging leg hinges itself at the knee, and there is
no separate swinging of the foot. This is probably more
exhaustive than the swinging leg. To cure it, it is better
to change the habit into slow circles.
For Practice. Whenever you are told or in anyway be-
come aware of the habit, try to make the front part of the
fool move in a very slow circle, tapering off into rest ; the
heel part of the foot should have no motion except the
hinging at the ankle.
Exercise III. The Moving Heel. This is a bad habit
of moving the heels up and down while the toes remain
on the floor. The leg rises and falls as in the case of a
father or mother holding a child on the knee and " dancing "
it, as it is sometimes called, by a "jogging " motion. It
is quite exhaustive. It must be cured.
Practice. Change the up-and-down motion to one of a
circling nature, slowly ceasing altogether in about a minute.
Exercise IV. Drumming. The little movements at the
ends of the fingers or toes give off more vital power than
all the rest of the body combined. These once controlled,
the remainder of the victory is easy. He that ruleth him-
self is greater than he that conquereth a city. To be able
to rule one's nerve-force includes all other modes of self-
control, for all the sins of humanity may be chargeable to
Uakage of Magnetic power through " nervousness." This
is a broad statement, but it can be easily proved.
It is well to have some friend tell you when you drum,
for you can rarely detect it in yourself.
Drumming consists of working the fingers up and down
in straight lines, and tapping some substance with the
tips. An excessively " nervous " person adds to this what
small boys call the " base accompaniment," by striking
rythmical blows with the wrist at proper intervals. Very
rapid drumming with the finger-tips alone also, indicates
excessive nervousness. How many people are guilty of
it, and how few know it !
Practice. When you are aware of your drumming, make
NERVOUSNESS. 69
an effort to move tbe fingers, one at a time in small circles,
the wrist to be perfectly still. Commence with the little
finger, describing with the point an imaginary circle in the
air ; then take the others in turn. It will seem almost
impossible to move the second and third fingers in circles,
but constant effort will bring about the desired result.
Do not allow one finger to touch the other in its circle.
Do not allow any other finger to move excepting the
one you are directing.
Make each circle very slowly and gradually taper off*
into rest.
Avoid any jerk or halt in the sweep of the finger.
It will be necessary to practice some before all the fore-
going directions regarding the fingers can be obeyed ; but
a person who is very graceful in th§ use of the fingers will
be able to perform them easily.
Exercise V. Elbow Movements. A jerk at the elbow
is a sure indication of " nervousness."
It may be either outward or inward, forward or back-
ward.
Practice. Move the elbow very slowly in a slight curve,
forward and backward, with as smooth a motion as possi-
ble. Then try the same outward and inward. Halting
and jerking will be the main difficulties to overcome in an
exceedingly slow motion.
Exercise VI. Head Movements. These are often ac-
companiments of the great malady.
Practice. Slowly move the head downward in front
several times in very slight curves, with a very smooth
action.
Then move the head right oblique front several times
in the same way ; the left oblique likewise. If the action
is very slow and smooth and not jerky, it will produce
sleepiness in a few minutes in all persons who are
" nervous," or whose vitality leaks away unnoticed.
The reason of this sleepiness in " nervous " persons
if leakage has been stopped, has been stated briefly in the
early part of this chapter. Its scientific bearings are too
70 LESSONS IN PEBSONAL MAGNETISM.
deep for the limited space of this volume. It may be
said, however, that some day an ^instrument will be in-
invented that will measure the nerve-energy of a person,
and the amount of leakage that is going on.
Exercise VII. Facial Movements. These not only
indicate "nervousness," but also the St Vitus Dance,
which is merely a violent outflow of vital-force, uncon-
trolled. The Dead Still Exercises of a previous chapter
will do more to overcome this trouble than anything else,
for they require the eyes to be still as well as the eyelids,
and if these are immovable the face will remain so. Avoid
moving the tongue in the mouth against the teeth or lips.
This organ should be still.
Practice. Open the mouth by lowering the jaw very
slowly, without jerks or halts ; then close it in the same
way.
Practice. Move the entire face into a smiling condition
by a very slow and smooth passage from a sober to a
smiling countenance. Reverse in the same way.
Exercise VIII. Winking. This is a very bad habit. The
leakage that occurs about the eyes destroys the finest
grained magnetism of the body.
Practice. Open the eyelids as widely as possible, and
hold them open in a staring position for a few seconds.
Then slowly close the upper lids down over the eyeballs,
without raising the lower lids. To do this, and do it
smoothly, is no small task. A few weeks of practice
ought to accomplish the purpose.
Exercise IX. Sighing. This is a habit of filling the
lungs by a breath larger than usual, and letting it all out
at once. It is a known fact in Voice Culture that a rapid
outflow of air is unnecessary and debilitating. Approach-
ing death is signalized by more powerful exhalations than
inhalations, the time also being longer in the one than the
other.
°The author is at work upon such an instrument. Its value to man-
kind and especially to the medical fraternity will be inestimable.
NERVOUSNESS. 71
Sighing is caused by weak lung action, which is induced
by one of three things:
1. Illness.
2. Unpleasant condition of the mind.
3. Undeveloped lungs.
When we feel ill or when we feel mentally depressed
the breath is often held for a long time unconsciously, and
when taken is very feeble in its action. Physicians and
patients generally are unaware of this. Let the patient
take a few long, full, respirations whenever a feeling of
gloom or illness is coming on, and in five cases out of ten
the malady disappears.
Approaching headache, approaching neuralgia, • and
many distempers are completely driven off by this simple
precaution.
If this is not done, the want of breath is soon felt and
a large quantity is inhaled, which, by reason of the feeble
condition of the diaphragm, is expelled, most of it at once,
the last end being drawn out somewhat. Grief contracts
the muscles of diaphragm and throat, and the escaping air
is slightly interrupted in its passage through the larynx,
producing the sighing sound.
Practice. Inhale as fully as possible, and exhale very
slowly ; when the breath commences to flow out see that
it does not rush out. A test of good lung control is found
in the following experiment : Fill the lungs very full
through the nostrils, then place a pipe stem in the mouth
and through this add all the air you possibly can, without
allowing any to escape. Then open the mouth wide, and
the first outflow of air make so gentle that you can hardly
feel it, afterwards increasing as the exhalation proceeds.
This compels a restraint on the diaphragm when the
pressure is greatest, and leads to a complete cure of the'
dangerous habit of sighing.
Exercise X. Gaping. This is purely a habit, induced
or increased by debility of the nerve-force, either affecting
digestion, breathing or blood circulation. Digestion feeds
on nerve-force, and the best way to stimulate that is by
72 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
taking in large quantities of oxygen through the lungs.
It is not well to take pure oxygen, for small lungs cannot
absorb much of this gas. The better way is to enlarge
the lung capacity and the ordinary mixture of the air is
the best. Nature knew what she was about when she
made the present combination in the atmosphere. Re-
member that moving air, like that out of doors, is far
better than the purest air that stands still in the best room
in the house.
You can easily overcome the slighter attacks of indi-
gestion by oxygenizing the nerve.force while food is in the
stomach, if the lungs are well developed. This is done by
rather fast, full deep breathing. Ninety minutes after eat-
ing is the best time to attempt to benefit the blood circu-
lation.
The oxygen in the blood has a secondary purpsoe to
serve in every case, which is to stimulate the nerves in
their immediate work. Thus, if digestion is going on,
the secondary purpose of oxygenizatioa is to aid the
stomach and the nerves of that organ will absorb their
share. Full deep-breathing during strong muscular action
supplies the motor nerves that direct the particular mus-
cles used.
Exercise for the cure of gaping. Practice Deep Breath-
ing until the lung capacity is fully developed.
".An ounce of Fact is worth a Ton of Theory.' 1
Chapter Twelve.
THE DAILY USE OF CURVES AND CIRCLES.
Did it ever occur to the reader to watch the movements
of skilled artisans. It is not the nature of the work alto-
gether that determines the skill of the workman. It was
not often that Oscar Wilde said anything worth remem-
bering, but he once made a truthful remark when he said
that " the most perfect grace could be seen in the attitude
of a common miner as he stood with uplifted pick, about
to strike a blow."
If the reader will go among the skilful men and women
in any trade, he will find two classes of persons at work.
1. Those who use unnecessary straight lines and angles
in their movements.
2. Those who use curves and circles.
The first are always inferior workmen, and never rank
as the most skilled artisans. They are also " nervous,"
and in many cases irritable. A peculiar fact is that they
lose many small motions in the eourse of an hour.
In a previous chapter the proposition has been laid
down that angles cause a great leakage of vitality, and
prevent the accumulation of magnetic force. It was also
laid down that lost motions not only indicate, but cause,
an erratic action of the nerve-force. There can be but
little skill in any workman who is troubled with either of
these.
What has this to do with Personal Magnetism ?
Much. We have already presented a series of exercises
to overcome the erratic action of the nerve-force. We next
gave a chapter of exercises to stop leakage of magnetism.
When the leakage has ceased this potent influence com-
74 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
mences to accumulate. There can then be no accumulation
of magnetism while the waste is going on.
We step from stone to stone in regular order, each pro-
cess following the other logically. The last chapter was
devoted to overcoming " nervousness " arising from
motions which we make unconsciously, and which are bad
habits. The present chapter deals with motions that we
make consciously, directed by the will, but imperfectly
executed by the nerves.
Not alone in work, but in every act of our lives, whether
in professions, or art, we are called upon to use motions.
If these follow the rules laid down for the use of curves
and circles, and lost motions are avoided, there can be no
waste of nerve-force, and it is a sure consequence that there
must be an accumulation of magnetism. How to use that
magnetism in the control of others is the work of the book
of Private Lessons, mentioned in the last chapter of this
volume.
An inferior workman could easily become skilful by
changing angles and straight lines into curves and circles,
and by overcoming the lost motions which indicate an
erratic action of the nerve-force.
But it is in the larger field of life's work that we are to
direct you ; the reference to artisans was merely incidental,
but at the same time very valuable.
The exercises to be given must be carefully practiced,
as they form one of the intermediate steps in the acquire-
ment of " Personal Magnetism."
Exercise L Cards. Place as many cards as you can find
room for, in a single straight line on the edge of a table ;
the pieces to be seven inches apart. Approach the table,
standing, and touch the extreme left piece with the right
hand, or the extreme right one with the left hand, using
the first finger only ; the second and third fingers hanging
down will slightly touch each other, and the little finger
will be slightly apart and nearer the palm. Touch every
piece of paper on the table as delicately as you possibly
can, and passing from one piece to the other by curved
i
THE DAILY USE OF CURVES AND CIRCLES. 75
motions, avoiding angles and straight lines ; then pass
back again with the same finger to the point of beginning.
Next try the first finger of the left hand in the same way.
Afterwards employ each finger of both hands.
The arm must be free from the body, unsupported, and
there should be a smooth action of the whole arm, con-
sisting of a little motion at the wrist, at the elbow and at
the shoulders, that is, do not make all the motion at the
wrist, or shoulder, or elbow, but at all combined at the
same time.
Exercise II. Marbles. Place twenty marbles near the
edge of the table. Using the thumb and forefinger of the
right hand to pick them up with and the left hand as a
receptacle to hold the marbles, take every one of them one
at a time from the table to the left hand, by a curved
motion from the table to the hand ; this constitutes a
rising curve, like an arch. The thumb can then be used
with each of the other fingers, after the marbles have been
replaced on the table.
Exercise III Marbles in circle. Repeat the last
exercise, by moving the points of the thumb and finger in
a complete circle, which will dip to a plane of about forty-
five degrees, that is half way between perpendicular and
a horizontal course.
By this movement every marble may be picked up and
placed in the other hand by a continuous chain of circles,
each running into the other, and without a single straight
line or an angle.
Exercise IV. Goblets. Place six goblets in a row near
the front of the table, each about eight inches from the other.
Take up the extreme left goblet with the right hand or
the extreme right with the left hand ; by an overarching
curve place this goblet in a position about twelve inches
back, and continue by curved movements to transfer all
of them in the same way. Then bring them back again
by a series of circles on a horizontal plane, continuing an
unbroken chain or circle.
76 LB8SON8 IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
The thumb and one or two fingers should be used at
the neck or small part of the goblet.
Exercise V. Take a book in the left hand with the first,
second and third fingers at the back, the thumb on the left
hand inside half of the open book, and the little finger on
the right hand page. It would be better if the first finger
could be placed on the outside of the left cover, and the
third finger on the right cover. By small circles with the
right hand practice the following :
1. Turn five right hand leaves with the first finger of
the right hand taking hold at the top of each leaf.
2. Same with the second finger.
3. Same with the third finger.
4. Same with the little finger.
5. Same with each of the four fingers in succession,
turning one leaf with each finger.
6. Repeat the five movements with the left hand.
Make no straight lines or angles.
Exercise VI. The Light Touch. Impulsiveness not
only leads to awkwardness, but also to a waste of energy.
The Light Touch is an exercise which overcomes the
raggedness of impulsive grasps or touches in taking hold
of anything.
1. Stand about seven feet away from some table, walk
easily up to it, and place the points of the four fingers
and the thumb of the right hand as lightly as possible
upon the table. Make the touch so light and gentle that
it will be difficult to tell just when the fingers reach the
table. There must be no tremulousness of the fingers ; if
this occurs, especially as the fingers are near the table, it
indicates a leakage of nervous-power constantly going on,
without your knowledge.
2. Place a tumbler (not a goblet) on the table. Ap-
proach it quietly and take hold of the top with the thumb
and second finger ; the contact or touch must be so gentle
and light that it seems imperceptible. There must be no
jarring of the tumbler, and no tremulousness of the hand*
THE DAILY USE OF CURVES AND CIRCLES. 77
■ ■- ■ ■ ■■ m —.—........■ — . . . .
The thumb and second finger shonld reach the opposite
sides of the glass at the exact instant of time.
3. Repeat the last, and in addition thereto approach the
tumbler by a curved line, and with a very delicate touch
lift it from the table.
4. Repeat the last, varied only by filling the tumbler
with water and lifting it by a smooth and somewhat rapid
motion so skillfully that the water will not even be jarred.
The water should be placed even full with the top.
Do not be discouraged if it seems impossible to do this
without many weeks of practice.
Having given some exercises to assist you in develop-
ing a new habit in the use of the hands and arms, let us
try and make a practical application of the principles in
our everyday life. The only way to do this is to practice
the foregoing exercises until the movements come to you
naturally.
When this is done, try and adapt the curve and some-
times the circle to all your movements. If the curve is
too pronounced, that is, if it has too much flourish, it will
not serve the purpose so well, and you will appear to be
affected. Avoid that.
One of the best ways to commence to adapt the curve
to the everyday movements of life, is at the dinner table.
Make it a point to pass as many things as possible; do it
gracefully, easily and with a smoothness of action. A
mistake is often made by those who feel sure that they
have a good curve. A part of the movement is in a curved
line, but another part of the same movement is straight or
angular. That will have to be guarded against.
Slow movements in a straight line are not bad if there
is no jerk or tremulousness at the beginning or ending of
each straight line.
We have now reached the end of the work in Negative
Mechanics.
The pupils who have faithfully practised them, and all
of them, will feel like new and better beings. It is not
a matter of speculation whether or not the exercises will
78 LESSONS IK PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
stop all leakage in a person — it is a fact. The author
knows that persistent practice will accomplish this. In
most cases it will require time and labor. The latter will
be tedious, because of the monotony attached to it. When-
ever the tediousness becomes oppressive, rest for a while.
On resuming you will find the work less intolerable, until
in time the tediousness will wear away. You will then
enjoy the work.
In closing this part of the present volume, we give a
final exercise in the " Mechanics of Personal Magnetism."
THE SPRING-BAR EXERCISE.
Those who care to test the present condition of the
nerves will find this exercise interesting.
Procure the services of a carpenter. Take two pieces
of wood, eight inches wide and two feet long. Join them
together at the ends, so as to form a right angle; the two
pieces of wood now present a half of a square frame.
Braces or supports may be placed at the sides so as to
stiffen the work. Take a piece of hard wood four inches
wide and twenty-eight inches long, being four inches longer
than the first pieces, and attach one end of this by a hinge*
to the inside corner of the half square, where the two first
pieces are joined together. Place the half square in such
a position as to have one side horizontal and the other
perpendicular, the corner being down. Bore a hole
through the horizontal piece a few inches from the corner.
Attach the strongest spiral spring that you can procure to
the inside or movable bar, and through the hole to the
under surface of the horizontal piece. If the bar is lifted
up so that it stands perpendicularly against the upright
piece of wood and then is let loose, the power of the spring
will cause it to return to a horizontal position with great
speed. The central bar being four inches longer than the
side half square, there is room to attach a bright red tin-
box about three or fonr inches square.
The whole contrivance is called the " Spring-Bar." To
THE DAILY USE OP CURVES AND CIRCLES. 79
set it you should procure some attachment so easily adjust-
able that by touching it or pulling it with a string the bar
is instantly set free and returns to its flat position.
It is better to try this with the assistance of some per-
son who will release the bar. The return must be of the
greatest possible speed. Any person of ingenuity can make
the "Spring-Bar." The spring must not be a weak one.
Place this upon a table, tied down, if need be, so as to
not fall over. The pupil must kneel upon the floor or
upon a cushion in such a way as to bring the chin to a
level with the table. A head rest, like those used by pho-
tographers, will assist somewhat, but is not strictly neces-
sary. The eyes should watch the lower corner of the
" bar" near the hinge, when the upper end has been lifted,
with the red tin-box attached to the top of that end. If
the bar is set the pupil cannot see the red box. It is im-
portant that it be completely obscured. The color of
Vermillion is the best shade of red for this purpose.
Previous to setting it the pupil should place the head
in such close proximity to the end of the bar that in its
descent the red box, coming suddenly in sight, will pass
within two inches of the eyes. To do this the head should
be slightly inclined forward.
Practice. Set the bar, then spring it, that is, release it.
There should be a lapse of ten seconds between setting
and springing the bar, during which time the pupil should
look steadily at the lower inside corner of the half square,
or at the spring.
As the box passes the eyes there must not be the slight-
est movement of the lids, not the fractional part of a wink.
If the nerves are partially diseased there will be a tempta-
tion to wink.
A variation of the above practice may be had by plac-
ing the eyes within a half inch of the red box as it passes
the face, and not wink. The head had better be adjusted
accurately, or else the tin-box may light on the bridge of
the pupil's nose.
80
LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
We now close the second part of this volume.
The remaining divisions furnish a series of exercises for
developing "Personal Magnetism " and a system of daily
conduct called " Regime."
" New Habits may Lift us to a Higher Plane of Life "
Chapter Thirteen.
MOVEMENTS OF THE BODY.
As the chief design of the Negative. Mechanics of Per-
sonal Magnetism is to stop all the leaks of the vital-force,
we must adopt a series of exercises applying to all the
movements of the body as Nature intended.
We will first treat of the entire body as a distinct sub-
ject for our attention, and then we will discuss th* several
divisions of the body.
The entire body is called into action in —
1. Walking.
2. Starting.
3. Stopping.
4. Turning.
CORRECT WALKING.
Few people walk well. It so happens that the graceful
and beautiful walk coincides with the magnetic walk.
We shall see later on, that all sudden jerks or jars cause
a very expensive leakage of vital-force.
The blow upon the heel in walking is unnatmral and
jerky; it is not only a cause of great leakage, but it is
awkward in the dance hall, upon the stage or platform, on
the street and everywhere. Whoever walks or dances on
the heels is wasting the nervous strength very rapidly.
Not only is this true, but it jars the nerves and muscles
about the spinal column.
If Nature were left to herself, or in other words, if we
wore no shoes we should always strike the ball of the foot
in walking before we did the heels. As we all wear shoes
6
82 LESSONS IK PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
the artificial tendency is to strike the heel first. In grace-
ful walking the heels of shoes must strike the ground first,
but the carriage of the body is such that no weight is borne
upon the heels. By a species of rocking motion the weight
skims, as it were, .over the heels and falls with full power
at once upon the balls of the feet.
The exercises following will produce the correct method
of walking. They should be practiced by every person in
every department of life. It has been proven that a sol-
dier can march thirty miles on the balls of the feet with
greater ease than he can march five miles with the weight
falling on the heels and balls alternately. A lady weigh-
ing 180 pounds, who could not walk to her place of em-
ployment, a mile distant, was able to walk many times
that distance by adopting a correct method. Hundreds of
pupils who had preferred to ride before learning the true
mode of walking, now enjoy the latter.
FIRST WALKING EXERCISE.
Stand with the weight on the heels of both feet, so that
the toes can be raised and lowered without swaying the
body.
Stand with the weight on the balls of the feet, so that
the heels may be raised, and the whole body, without
bending or swaying, may be raised or lowered. This
should be done until great strength has been acquired in
the insteps.
Without bending the body at the hips or waist, sway
forward and backward, transferring the weight from the
heels and balls alternately several times.
Take a step with the right foot and hold the attitude;
while holding it, sway the body without bendiug it, chang-
ing the weight from the balls to the heels constantly. End
with the weight on the ball of the right foot ; hold this
attitude, leaning forward only enough to keep the weight
easily balanced on the ball. Most pupils lean or bend too
far forward.
From this latter attitude take another step with the left
MOVEMENTS OF THE BODY. 83
for- foot, sway as before, and end by placing the weight on the
mdr left foot advanced. Proceed in this manner step by step.
isk It will be seen that the carriage of the body must deter-
iwetr mine whether the weight is on the heels or balls ; if the
!p body is pitched forward about two inches, and not more,
the walking will be correct.
vk Remember every blow struck on the heel is exhausting
to the nerves.
STARTING.
Sudden starts from a position of rest, cause a large es-
cape of nervous energy. When the motion has been com-
menced the continuance of it is not exhausting, but a jerk
in the beginning is quite so.
When commencing any strong movement of the body,
avoid rushing into the force of it too soon. Begin by as
slight a start as possible. It is well to practice a very
slow start, increasing as rapidly as you please, after the
start has been made.
Exercise I. Sit in a chair. Start to arise, making the
initiatory movement very slowly, but of short duration.
Exercise II. Stand. Start to walk by a slow initiatory
" movement of short duration, and increase as rapidly as
you please, after the start is over ; but avoid increasing
by jerks.
Exercise III. Stand. Start to run, commencing very
slowly, and increasing afterward as rapidly as you please.
STOPPING.
A sudden stop discharges from the body a large quantity
of magnetism, and if continued repeatedly is exhausting.
Exercise I. Walk very rapidly, stop by a very gradual
ceasing, of short duration in time and space, and free from
suddenness. This mode of stopping does not require a
gradual tapering off) or any Slowing up that is noticeable to
others. If done skilfully it will be free from suddenness,
and at the same time gradual.
84 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Exercise II. Run, and stop without a jerk, or sudden
rm>il.
TURNING.
Any motion that would throw water from the body will
throw vital-energy away. Also a motion of a similar
character, but not violent enough to throw water from the
body, will discharge vitality. The proof of this theory
will be found in a subsequent chapter.
A jerk in turning is of this character. Sudden turns
must be avoided. They are awkward as well as exhausting.
Exercise I. Practice running and walking and turning
while in motion, making each turn in a graceful sweep or
curve, free from jerky movements.
Rule. — Any movement made in an angle is awkward
and exhausting.
"A Child cannot Learn to Walk in a Day."
Chapter Fourteen.
THE TENSION EXERCISES.
The more interesting part of our study and practice is
now reached.
We have in the previous chapters taken two steps ; one
series of exercises stopped the leakage of vitality that was
constantly taking place; the other series overcame and
corrected the erratic action of the nerves.
The pupil who has mastered both of these will find him-
self possessed of normal self-control, which will be suffi-
cient for the work now to be undertaken; although it may
also be the fact that he is further advanced.
A brief review of a few principles may refresh the pupil
sufficiently to enable him to understand the meaning of
the exercises contained in the present chapter.
1. A person who wastes the nerve-force of the body faster
than it accumulates, belongs to the class of people called
" nervous."
2. A person who uses his nerve-force no faster than it
accumulates, possesses normal self-control.
3. A person who accumulates, more nerve-force than
ought to be used in a healthy and well-constituted daily
life, is magnetic to a certain degree.
4. Electricity and its consequent magnetism lies dor-
mant or latent in every drop of blood and every particle
of matter in the human body.
5. A person who can develop this latent electricity to
an unusual degree possesses an irresistible power.
6. Any person who has stopped the leakage of the vital-
force, and has corrected the erratic action of the nerves,
86 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
will be able to develop electricity to an unusual degree by
the exercises of this and the following chapters.
If we will constantly keep in mind the fact that we are
filled with latent electricity we shall better succeed in the
work immediately before us.
The principle of life cannot be explained, yet it is a
process constantly generating the magnetic power. The
author has known of many persons who have so mastered
the mechanics of this series of lessons that they could
easily feel the life principle at work within them. This
has proven the seat of life to be co-extensive with the
brain and the organs enclosed within the walls of the chest,
the spinal column and the diaphragm. Physiologists who
develop this agency will at once comprehend the deeper
questions of life.
A magnetic person can in an instant generate, also, a
heat within, that can be felt very distinctly, giving a glow
of warmth that is transmitted by the vibratory process
through the eye, voice or touch to any person within reach
of these.
Principle. — The mind dwelling intently upon any invis-
ible agent or process within the body will develop a menial
recognition of what would otherwise be unrecognized, pro-
vided the menial conception of the agent or process is a cor-
rect one.
In the following exercises the mental conception will be
correct if the pupil thinks of the inner lower chest as the
centre of a powerful battery, from which a vast amount of
electrical energy may be developed. The connection of the
brain with this battery will be seen later on. The partic-
ular location of the inner lower chest will be referred to
hereafter as the electrical centre.
Action of some kind develops all the electricity of the
universe ; we may call it friction or chemical, or chemico-
frictional, as one scientist puts it — it matters but little.
Some kind of action is necessary.
While the life principle within us furnishes a kind of
action that generates this force, it does not, in most cases,
MMto4Mh*«i*
THE TENSION EXERCISES. 87
develop a sufficient amount to make a person as magnetic
as can be done by assisting nature.
When, after some lapse of time, the pupil begins to rec-
ognize the existence of the life principle, to estimate the
amount of electrical energy on hand, to know at what
times, and why, the quantity gets low, or at what times,
and why, it is in superabundance, he will begin to realize
the exactness of the science of Personal Magnetism, and
his interest will be thoroughly aroused, for the first time,
perhaps, in this course of study.
Exercise. I. The Tense Arm Straight. Raise the
right arm in front on a level with the shoulder and keep
it perfectly straight. By an act of the will stiffen all the
muscles from the shoulder to the hand, including the fin-
gers, without moving the arm. Repeat this slowly and
deliberately for six times. Then use the left arm in the
same way. While the left arm is being so used the right
should hang at the side lifeless, and likewise the left when
the right is in use. Returning to the right arm, place it
at full length at the right of the body, extended in a hor-
izontal position. Slowly and deliberately stiffen all the
muscles six times, without moving the arm. This is called
the Tense Arm, because the muscles are strained to their
fullest tensity. Use the left in turn. Repeat the exer-
cise until each arm has been placed in at least twenty differ-
ent positions, keeping it always straight. The positions
may be made in a greater number than twenty if desirable.
Practice the Tense Arm as often and as long as you de-
sire daily. While it may cause a little muscular lamtness
for a day or two in the start, that will pass away. The
exercise is beneficial to the health.
Exercise II. The Tense Fist. Lift the arm in front
of the body, with the fist clinched lightly, and about
eighteen inches from the eyes; the distance is immaterial.
While in this position, gradually tighten the pressure at
the fist until the grasp is terrific. This is called the
Tense Fist. Practice it while the arm is free from tensity,
making all the energy in the fist alone.
88 LE8SON8 IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
These with the fist free but clinched, make all the ten-
sity in the arm.
Lastly, unite the Tense Arm and Fist.
The separation of the nervous action will seem difficult,
but in a short time, by persistent practice, it can be ac-
complished, and, when mastered, the opposition to the
flow of nerve force in its accustomed paths will cause the
same friction that develops lightning in the storm clouds.
Are we understood ?
When the arm is tense and the hand is free, the flow of
nervous force is stopped at the wrist and hurled back
upon the centres. A soldier whose hand has been ampu-
tated at the wrist often feels the presence of the hand with
as much realism as when it was in place. This indicates
a flow of nervous force beyond the wrist, and such ex-
periences produce great weakness to the person, some-
times causing an outflow of all the nerve-force, and ending
in death.
Many persons whose arms or legs have been amputated
lose their lives, because the nerve-force flows away at
these places.
Whoever can learn in a perfect way to stop the nerve-
force at the wrist, keeping the arm very tense and the
hand free, will recognize in time the flow of the life
principle along the arms.
The last part of this exercise consists of moving the
arms about in space, held with powerful tensity from the
shoulders to the wrists, while the hands are lifeless or free
from tension. These exercises will grow better and better
as long as the pupil practices them, if it be for years. At
first there will appear to be nothing in them. A child
cannot learn to walk in a day or a month.
Exercise in. Gradual Tension op Arm and Fist.
Hold the arm in any position free from the body. Make
it as limber as possible, without any muscular rigidity what-
ever. Try to imagine it lifeless and limp as a piece of cloth.
While in this position very gradually and very slowly
cause it to pass from a limp to a rigid muscular tension.
I
I
i*
THE TENSION EXERCI8ES. 89
If this is not done gradually the design of the exercise is
lost. A quick setting of the muscular strength of any
part of the body has but little benefit for the nerves. Do
this over and over again, with each arm singly. The first
few days it would be better to use the muscles sparingly,
as lameness ensues from this as well as from any new
exercise. This tension includes arm and fist together.
Exercise IV. The Tense Neck. There are muscles
between the head and trunk of the body, along the neck.
They are intimately associated with the base of the brain,
(an important part of the nerve-force of the body), and they
likewise lie close to the spinal column.
1. Turn the head to the right as far as possible, and
while holding it there gradually increase the tension of the
muscles, until they have been made very rigid.
2. Turn the head to the left and repeat in the same
way.
3. While looking straight ahead, the chin being on a
level, and the chest being well filled with air, the shoulders
down, but not back, endeavor to throw the muscles of
the neck into a tension, commencing very gradually and
increasing slowly until great rigidity is reached.
A quick setting of the full muscular strength is to be
avoided, as the only benefit derived therefrom is in the
growth of the muscles. A slowly increasing tension keeps
the nerves at work, and excites them to an action that in
time will generate the latent electricity of the body.
Exercise V. The Tense Head. By a mental effort di-
rect the attention entirely to the muscles of the head.
Slowly make them rigid. Do not move the head, and
under no circumstances allow the face to show any violent
expression. The features should remain passive.
Exercise VI. The Tense Chest. The muscles that fill
the structure pf the chest are capable of being made tense,
as well as those of other portions of the body ; it will re-
quire longer practice, but the results are more important.
Direct the mind as closely as possible to the inner por-
tion of the chest, keeping the outward part immovable.
90 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Think of a point as near the centre as possible. Make
the whole internal portions tense, and as gradually as pos-
sible. It will be sometime before this can be accomplished.
The nerves and not the muscles are, in fact, exercised by
this process.
Exercise VII. The Tense Legs. Repeat the mode of
producing tension as given in the foregoing portions of
this chapter, remembering the caution to always increase
the rigidity gradually.
Exercise VIII. The Tense Foot. Endeavor to pro-
duce tensity of the foot alone, by the gradual process.
Each foot and leg should be used in turn.
Exwcise IX. Stopping the Nerve-plow at the
Ankle. As at the wrist, so at the ankle, the nerve-flow
may be checked by making the entire leg tense, and allow-
ing the foot to remain free or limp. This will require
practice and patience, but every person between the ages
of eighteen and ninety can in time achieve a victory.
Exercise X. The Magnetic Walk. The pupil has
here a mode of utilizing his time without infringing upon
other duties. It is better not to commence this exercise
until the previous portion of this chapter has been partially
mastered.
Walk slowly and firmly with a tension in both legs,
made stronger on each alternate leg as the body passes
the weight over it in walking. Thus it will be noticed,
that, while the tension is to be kept great during the en-
tire exercise, it becomes greater while the leg carries the
weight of the body, as is done in every step. The will
power should be kept constantly on this slight increase of
tension at these times.
When several weeks have been spent in this practice,
the habit should be formed and applied permanently to
every day pedestrianism. It then, of course, becomes
more rapid, and varies itself with the circumstances at-
tending each mode of walking.
A magnetic person is known by his walk.
At first the new method may seem awkward, but when
THE TENSION EXERCI8ES. 91
it has become a habit, it is the most graceful carriage of
the body known.
Grace and Personal Magnetism always coincide.
At no tijne of life should a pupil neglect to go through
the Tension Exercises at least once a week ; and this only
after they are completely mastered. The more time that
is spent in them, the better will be the general health of
the pupil, and the more magnetic will he become.
"No person under Eighteen is too Young, and no person under Eighty is
too old to acquire some Magnetic Power. 11
Chapter Fifteen.
THE NERVIMUSCULAR GYMNASTICS.
In the last chapter the accumulation of magnetism was
begun.
If the pupil has spent the time faithfully in that work,
he will be prepared for the heavier tasks now before him.
In the exercises of this chapter the accumulation of
magnetism is more rapid, and comes in greater quantities.
While the accumulation is going on all leakage should be
carefully watched and promptly stopped. Therefore, the
past chapters are always to be renewed; once a week
will do.
In the exercises now to be given every word has some
importance in the descriptions, and hasty reading will not
suffice; the exact method of performing them must be
understood.
Exercise L Horizontal Front. Stand with the weight
on the balls of the feet, the heels merely touching the floor;
take in all the breath possible until the lungs are completely
filled; and, while holding the breath, raise both arms at
full length on a level with the shoulders and parallel with
each other in front of the body, with the hands hanging
lifeless from the wrists. While still holding the breath com-
mence to clinch the fists very gradually, at the same time
drawing them toward the shoulders. This gradual com-
pression of the fists must continue until they ure brought
back as far possible, close up to the armpits, at which
point they must be clinched with all the force that can
possibly be given them by a concentrated effort of mind
and muscle. The fists must not be compressed by jerks,
THE NERVO-MUSCTJLAR GYMNASTICS. 93
or at any time suddenly, but very gradually. The more
tightly they are compressed the greater will be the benefit
derived from this exercise. The breath must not be al-
lowed to escape as long as the fists continue to be clinched
with increasing force. A single respiration, if full, will
serve as a sufficient rest. This exercise should be repeated
fifteen times at each trial, and as many trials may be at'
tempted each day as the pupil desires. The exercise is
highly beneficial to the health of the pupil, giving great
vigor to the circulation of the blood and assisting in build-
ing up a strong nervous system.
Exercise II Horizontal Oblique. Repeat Exer-
cise I, changing only the position of the hands in com-
mencing. The oblique position is half-way between the
front and the side. The horizontal is on a level with the
shoulders. Of course, the hands are to be out at arm's
length. In the horizontal front the arms were parallel
with each other on a'.level with the shoulders; now they
are spread apart to some extent. The clinching of the
fists takes place while they are being drawn in toward the
shoulders. To insure success the hands must be limp and
lifeless when the arms are straight, and the compression of
the fists must be gradual until at the shoulders the mus-
cular tension of arms, fists and chests is something terrific.
Do not forget the principle : A slowly increasing muscular
tension is a nerve calisthenic.
Exercise III Horizontal Lateral. The arms are
wide apart, the hands on a level with the shoulders.
From this position draw the fists in toward the shoulders,
observing all the directions of the first exercise.
Exercise IV. Down Front. A down position is half-
way between the perpendicular line of the body and the
horizontal. The down front position would simply be
the lowering of the hands a little more than a foot from
the position of the first exercise. The movement must
always be toward the shoulders, during the progress of
which the fists are being very gradually clinched. Make
the tension very powerful at the shouders.
94 LE8SONB IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Exercise V. Down Oblique, The hands are more
spread than in the last exercise. The movement is toward
the shoulders. Observe all the directions of the first ex-
ercise.
Exercise VI. Down Lateral. Remember that down
means half-way between the body and a horizontal line.
The arms are at full length in all the exercises and move
toward the shoulders in all of them, unless otherwise stated.
Exercise VII. Up Front. Up means half-way between
the horizontal and the zenith positions. Observe all the
directions of the preceding exercises.
Exercise VIII. Up Oblique. From this position draw
the fists to the shoulders, with the gradually increasing
tension.
Exercise IX. Up Lateral. From this position draw
the fists to the shoulders, as before.
Exercise X. Opening Movement from Front to
Lateral. Take the Horizontal Front position of the
first exercise, and (without bending the elbows), as before,
move the hands to the horizontal lateral, keeping the arms
straight all the while, and gradually clinch the fists, until
at the lateral position the pressure is simply awful. It
may take weeks and months to develop a good hand press-
ure, but it must be done.
Exercise XL Closing Movement prom Lateral to
FroiJt. This is a horizontal movement — the same as that
of the last exercise, but the direction is reversed. It com-
mences with the horizontal lateral, with limp, lifeless,
hands and moves to the horizontal front, where, by the
gradual and slow process, the tension has become very
great.
Exercise XII. Perpendicular Side Movement Up-
ward. Place the hands at the sides, the arms at full
length touching the body, the hands lifeless. Move them
upward by a perpendicular line to the shoulders, where
the pressure will be great.
Exercise XIII. Zenith. The arms are raised straight
over the head, but parallel with each other, and the hands
THE NERVO-MUSCULAR GYMNASTICS. 95
are lifeless. Bring the fists down in a straight line to the
shoulders, where the tension has become great. Observe
all the directions of Exercise I in this as in all the otber
exercises.
Exercise XIV. From Side to Zenith. Place the hands
at the sides, close to the body and down to the full length
of the arms, where they must be lifeless. Very slowly
and smoothly raise them in a perpendicular line to the
zenith position, where the tension will be very great. It
will be seen that in this, the movement commences as in
Exercise XII. but does not stop at the shoulders.
Exercise XV. From Zenith to Side. Place the hands
as in Exercise XIII and bring them down to the sides.
This simply reverses the movement of the last exercise.
At the zenith the hands will be lifeless and gradually grow
into a strong tension, until they have descended to the
lowest possible position at the sides.
Exercise XVI. Down Front to Back of the Head.
The movement commences at the down front position and
ends with the clinched fists touching the base of the brain
at the back of the head.
Exercise XVII. From Back of the Head to Down
Front. This is a reverse of the last. The greatest ten-
sion will be at the down front position.
Exercise XVIII Rising Outside Curve. Place the
hands at the sides close to the body and lifeless. Slowly
raise them to a zenith position, making them pass outward
in a lateral curve. When half-way up they will be in the
horizontal lateral position ; they must continue without
stopping until the zenith has been reached and the tension
of the hands has become intense.
Exercise XIX. Descending Outside Curve. This is
a reverse of the last. The hands are lifeless at the zenith,
and, passing outward and downward, reach the sides iu a
verv tightly clinched condition.
Exercise XX. From Chest to Oblique Backward.
The hands will be placed on the chest in a lifeless condi-
tion, the elbows raised to a level with the armpits ; the
96 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
hands are gradually clinched, the elbows moving back-
ward, until the arms finally become straight, with the fists
clinched with demoniac energy in an oblique backward
position.
The foregoing twenty exercises must be practiced daily.
The first one is the best. Its suggestions as to breathing
must be well observed. It is not necessary to practice all
of them every day ; but they should be varied. The nerve
energy will grow daily.
" The Nervous System is a Net Work of Telegraph Wires"
Chapter Sixteen.
NERVE CALISTHENICS.
PART I.
The term " gymnastics " and likewise the term " calis-
thenics," are popularly supposed to apply only to move-
ments of the muscles or of portions of the body operated
solely for the purpose of strengthening the muscles. It
has not been supposed possible to arrange a series of ex-
ercises that would produce strength in the nerve tissues
and strength in the nervous system of the body ; and it is
only after many years of experiments that it has been dis-
covered that exercises like those of this chapter apply
almost altogether to the nerves. Awkwardness is often
due to the erratic action of the nerves or of the nerves and
muscles combined; but in order to make the muscles
move accurately the nerves have to be specially trained
so that in the eradication of awkwardness an entire train-
ing of the nerves is reached through a careful exercise of
the muscles.
Many of the calisthenics and gymnastics that are in use
in the schools and colleges of the world, and in gymna-
siums, are productive of great injury to the nerves, and
have been known in very many cases to produce awkward-
ness. It is possible that a series of muscular calisthenics
could be devised which would avoid the production of awk-
wardness and thereby add to the grace of the entire body ;
but it must be admitted that in a great majority of cases
persons who exercise much in gymnasiums are awkward
and jerky in their movements, and the nervous system is
often seriously impaired. To train the nerves will, in
7
98 LESSONS IN PEBSONAL MAGNETISM.
every case, result in sufficient muscular training ; but to
train the muscles will not result in good nervous training.
It is therefore highly important that the nerve calisthenics
of this chapter should be carefully studied, and, if possible,
by practice, perfected. As they deal with a part of our
existence with which we are almost totally unfamiliar,
the method of practice will be new to the pupil.
Before we commence the exercises it is better to under-
stand two leading principles ; for it must be remembered
that every muscular movement of the body is impelled
and guided by the action of the nerves. From a study of
one of the previous chapters the pupil has already learned
that any increase in the tension of the muscles is a Nerve
Calisthenic, provided the increase be gradual and pro-
longed. We therefore lay down the two following princi-
ples:
1. Any gradual and prolonged increase of the tension
of a musole is a Nerve Calisthenic.
2. Any gradual and prolonged increase in the speed of
the movement of any portion of the body is a Nerve
Calisthenic.
It will be seen from the two foregoing principles that the
first applies to the action of the muscles while the entire
body is in a state of repose ; and the second applies to the
action of the muscles while some portion of the body is
moving.
It is therefore seen that from these two principles may
be evolved a third :
3. Any gradual and prolonged increase of the tension
of the muscles accompanied by any gradual and prolonged
increase in the speed of the movement of any portion of
the body will produce the most powerful Nerve Calisthen-
ics that are known at the present day.
We will now proceed to the exercises.
Exercise 1. Arm Movement. Take a standing position
and allow both arms to hang lifeless at the side, the weight
of the body being upon the balls of the feet, and the heels
lightly touching the floor. Direct the mind to the right
NEBVE CALISTHENICS. 99
arm. The purpose of this exercise is to raise the right
arm from its position at the side to a position in front of
the body, the arm being kept straight, but not too stiff, all
the time, and brought to a level with the shoulder. In
one of the previous chapters we have exercises in the ten-
sion of the body. The exercises of this chapter will fol-
low only the second and third principles. In raising the
arm the pupil must commence with a movement so slow
that he can hardly tell when the action commences. After
any movement has been begun its speed may be increased
as rapidly as possible, provided the increase is smooth and
free from jerks. Any increase of the movement of any
part of the body that has the slightest jerk in it is detri-
mental to the nerves. Any sudden stop is likewise to be
avoided, or any decrease of the speed that is at all jerky is
injurious. The pupil therefore must commence the action
very slowly indeed, increasing the speed to a greater ex-
tent with each trial, if the jerks referred to can be avoided;
and stopping by a likewise gradual diminish of the speed,
bringing the arm after it has been raised in front of the
body, on a level with the shoulder, to a complete stand-
still without any suddenness in the stop.
This movement is called the Swell and Diminish in
Speed.
Exercise 2. This is simply a reverse of the foregoing
exercise. It commences with the arm raised at full length
in front of the body on a level with the shoulder and it is
carried down to the side by the same slow start and
gradual increase in speed on its way and the same slow
diminish until it comes to a full stop. Practice each of
the foregoing at least twenty times deliberately and care-
fully. Any haste or lack of interest in the work will only
result in time being wasted.
Exercise 3. Combine the first and second exercises, com-
mencing with the arm at the side, raising it as previously
directed, and without any jerk, causing it to descend, fol-
lowing exactly the direction of the two preceding exercises.
100 LESSONS m PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Exercise 4. Repeat the three exercises just given, with
the left arm.
Exercise 5. Repeat the three exercises first given with
the right arm at the side and raised laterally, that is, from
the side outward from the body, the arm being brought to
a level with the shoulder.
Exercise 6. Repeat the first three exercises with the
left arm laterally.
Exercise 7. Repeat the three foregoing exercises with
both arms, following all the directions heretofore given.
Exercise 8. Place the right arm over the head in what
is called a "zenith" position, the index finger pointing
straight upward. From this position commence a descent
with the arm held, during the whole of its passage, down
at full length, and passing in front of the body, the finger
making a semi-circle in its movement until it reaches the
side. The beginning of the motion when the hand is in
the zenith position must be so slow that an observer could
hardly tell that the action had commenced. After it has
commenced the increase in speed may be as rapid as can
be made without any jerk in the movement, and the hand
coming to the side must stop as slowly as is necessary in
order to prevent any suddenness or jerk in the ceasing of
the motion. It will therefore come to a dead stop at the
side so slowly that an observer could hardly detect when
the motion had ceased. This exercise may be varied after
the pupil has become skilled in this movement by making
the speed when the arm is one-half way down exceedingly
rapid, and if the detrimental features can be avoided the
greater the speed the greater the benefit to the nerves.
Exercise 9. Repeat the last exercise by reversing the
direction of the movement, commencing with the hand at
the side and raising it to the zenith position. The arm
must be kept at full length all the time; observing
every #ne of the directions of the eighth exercise.
Exercise 10. Combine the last two exercises by com-
mencing with the hand at the side, raising it as in the last
"L V _ k*
NERVE CALISTHENICS. 101
exercise, and when at the zenith position, reversing and
lowering it as in the eighth exercise.
Exercise 11. Perform the last three exercises with the
left arm.
Exercise 12. Perform the three exercises last referred
to, with the right arm at the side and moving out laterally.
Exercise 13. Perform the three exercises last referred to,
with the left arm at the side and moving out laterally.
Exercise 14. Perform the three exercises last referred to,
with both arms.
Exercise 15. Raise the right arm to a position level with
the shoulder and lateral instead of front. It may be a
little back of a lateral position, tending toward an oblique
backward. From this place the movement commences.
The arm is to be moved always at full length forward and
round in front of the body until the hand reaches the left
shoulder where it will stop before it touches. It must
not under any circumstances, touch the shoulder. It will
be seen that the arm remains in a horizontal position all
the way round, and until it has passed in front of the body
the elbow will not be bent. This bending, however, will
be a necessity in the latter portion of the movement.
Commence with the hand in the oblique backward posi-
tion as first stated, with a movement so slow that an ob-
server wiirhardly be able to tell when the movement first
commences, and increase gradually in speed, keeping the
increase free from any jerks whatever, and when the hand
is approaching the shoulder, commence to decrease the
speed in time to bring it to a dead still position without
having to stop suddenly or to make the decrease with any
jerks. This exercise may be varied by increasing the
speed to a very rapid movement in the middle portion of it.
Exercise 16. Repeat the foregoing exercise by reversing
the direction of the movement, commencing with the right
hand near the left shoulder, but not near enough to touch
it, moving the arm out at full length to an oblique back-
ward position, observing all of the directions in the pre-
ceding exercise.
102 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
Exercise 17. Repeat the two foregoing exercises together,
by commencing with the hand in the oblique backward
position, moving it forward to the left shoulder and im-
mediately removing it back again to its first position,
causing it to come very slowly to a dead still position at
the shoulder, and immediately commencing very slowly
in its movement back again.
Eosercise 18. Repeat the last three exercises with the
left hand.
Exercise 19. Repeat the three exercises last referred to,
with both hands, having the left arm pass under the right
arm as the two approach each other. This will cause the
right hand to pass near the left shoulder above th$ left
arm, and the left hand to pass near the arm-pit of the
right shoulder under the right arm.
Be careful that neither arm touches either the body or
each other.
Exercise 20. Raise the right arm to a horizontal posi-
tion in front of the body, that is, to a level with the shoulder.
The movement of the hand will be in a large circle. Its
first position will be its starting place. The arm during
the whole of this movement must remain at full length.
It is raised to a position half way between a horizontal
lateral and a zenith position, when it is at its greatest ele-
vation ; and from this position it will commence to descend,
passing down in an oblique backward position when the
hand has reached a level with the shoulder, and from this
it will come in toward the side, when it is at its lowest
depression and from the side, it will move outward and
upward in front until it has reached its first position,
which is horizontal with the shoulder. This makes a
complete circle, and must be performed as follows :
The hand commences its movement so slowly that an
observer will hardly be able to tell when the movement
has begun, and gradually increases in speed until, when it
is half way round the rapidity will be very great. It then
commences to diminish gradually in speed until it comes
NERVE CALISTHENICS. 103
to a dead still position in front of the body, which com-
pletes the circle.
Exercise 21. Repeat the last named exercise with the
left arm, following in every particular the directions
therein given.
Exercise 22. Repeat exercise number twenty, by making
as many circles as you please, provided the movement is
kept increasing until the maxium speed is reached, from
which the decrease will be made in a single half circle.
Caution. — Do not, under any circumstances, keep the
arm in motion when the speed is not on the increase, ex-
cepting of course when the motion is coming to a close, for
the exercise will be simply muscular if the speed remains
the same. It must be remembered that Principle number
two, has to be observed with precision in order to keep
the calisthenics within the range of nervous exercises.
Exercise 23. Repeat the last named exercise with the
left arm.
Exercise 24. Repeat exercise number twenty with both
arms.
Exercise 25. Repeat exercise number twenty-two with
both arms.
Exercise 26. Place the right hand to the right shoulder
without touching it in a lateral position, the fist being
closed, but without any pressure. Move the fist in a
right lateral direction until it has reached the arm's length
from the right shoulder, it still remaining horizontal.
Commence the movement very slowly, gradually increas-
ing in speed and diminishing near the close, after the man-
ner of the exercises hereinbefore given in this chapter.
Exercise 27. Repeat the last exercise by reversing the
direction of the movement, commencing with the arm at
full length from the shoulder and bringing it toward the
shoulder, still at a lateral position.
Exercise 28. Repeat the last two exercises, commencing
with the fist at the shoulder, moving outward until the
arm is straight, diminishing at that point very slowly, and
immediately commencing to reverse, being careful to make
104 LE8SON8 IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
no jerk or sadden movement when the arm is at fall
length.
Exercise 29. Repeat the last three exercises with the
left arm.
Exercise 30. Repeat the three exercises last referred to,
with the right arm, moving from the shoulder straight in
front of the body in a horizontal position, always keeping
the fist shut, and without any of the pressure of clinch-
ing, as this might become a tension exercise, which we are
not yet quite ready to undertake.
Exercise 31. Repeat the three exercises last referred to,
with the left arm, moving the fist from in front of the
shoulder to a front horizontal position and back as de-
scribed, with the combination of forward and back.
Exercise 32. Place the right fist at the shoulder without
it being clinched, and without any pressure whatever, be-
ing careful that the hand does not touch the shoulder nor
any portion of the body. Cause the hand to descend in a
straight line to the side, commencing the movement slowly
as before, then increasing, and diminishing with the same
slowness, the speed being in the middle of the motion.
Exercise 33. Repeat the last exercise by reversing the
direction of the movement, commencing at the side and
moving to the shoulder.
Exercise 34. Repeat the last two exercises by combining
the movements.
Exercise 35. Repeat the last two exercises with the fist
of the left arm.
Exercise, 36. Place the right fist at the shoulder ; move
it, while the hand still remains closed without any pres-
sure, to a zenith position over the head, observing the
directions for the slow beginning and the slow ending,
with the speed in the middle, which constitutes the swell
and diminish of speed.
Exercise, 37. Repeat the last by reversing the direction
of the movement, commencing at a zenith position and re-
turning the fist to the shoulder.
Exercise 38. Combine the last two exercises, commencing
NERVE CALISTHENICS. 105
from the shoulder, moving up to a dead-still position, re-
versing and bringing the hand down to the shoulder.
Exercise 39. Repeat the last exercise with the left hand.
Exercise 40. Place the fist at the side, being closed with-
out any pressure whatever, and move the arm in a straight
line, the hand passing close to the shoulder in its upward
movement, without touching, until it has passed to a
zenith position, the maxium speed being at that place
where the fist is passing the shoulder ;. bringing it to a
dead-still position very slowly and without any jerk at
the zenith.
Exercise 41. Repeat the last by reversing the direction
of movement, commencing at the zenith and returning the
fist to the side.
Exercise 42. Repeat the last two exercises by combining
the last two movements, commencing at the side and
passing the fist to the zenith in a perpendicular move-
ment, there bringing it to a dead-still position, immedi-
ately reversing by a slow commencement before bringing
the fist to the side.
Exercise 43. Repeat the last three exercises with the left
fist.
Exercise 44. Repeat the three last exercises with both
fists at the same time.
PART II.
The following exercises exemplify the Third Principle of
this chapter, which is a combination of the swell and
diminish of speed with the swell and diminish of muscu-
lar tension. As has been previously stated, these are the
most powerful nerve calisthenics that have been discovered
up to the present day.
Exercise 45. Repeat Exercise No. 1 of this chapter, ac-
companying the movement therein described, by a gradual
increase of muscular tension. The muscular tension will
be entirely absent when the movement first commences,
a nd as the movement increases in speed the tension will
commence to assert itself, growing strong as the speed of
106 LEBBON8 IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
the movement increases, until the maximum rapidity has
been reached, at which point the tension should be almost
frantic. This desperate power of the nerves will be ac-
quired only after many weeks of practice. As the move-
ment commences to decrease in its speed the tension will
likewise decrease, until, when the movement has been
brought to a dead-still position, the tension is entirely
absent, the arm and hand being as lifeless as a piece of
wet cloth.
The foregoing exercises must each be repeated accom-
panied by the swell and diminish of tension. This will
require a repetition of the 44 Exercises of Part I of this
chapter.
Note to the Pupil. — If the foregoing exercises of this
chapter are practiced with the carefulness desired by the
author, the most satisfactory results will be accomplished.
It will take time to grow into the new life which must
necessarily result from steady practice, but the pupil will
find that when he or she has sufficiently practiced these
eighty-eight exercises that a new force called Internal
Energy has been developed in the centres of the nervous
system. The work of this chapter will be found to be
exceedingly tedious, and the pupil will, perhaps, lack that
patience which is necessary in order to win, but to the few
who always succeed in great undertakings where the many
fail, we will say, that the power which you will develop
will be a surprise to yourself; and a proper wielding of
that power may be a Furprise to others whom you may
meet in daily life. Do not think that this work may be
accomplished in a few weeks. It may require months,
and in some cases, a year or more. All pupils intending
to take the Post Graduate course, mentioned in the last
chapter of this book, could save a great amount of time
by combining the work, not only of this chapter, but of
all the preceding chapters in the book, with the work of
that course. It is not necessary to finish this volume
before undertaking the next. Do not attempt the work of
NERVE CALISTHENICS. 107
this chapter without at the same time faithfully practicing
all the exercises of the preceding chapters. Nothing
should be slighted.
Regime should be attended to with the same scrupulous
care that one would prepare for any of the great under-
takings of life.
" Naturalness is nothing more than Habit."
Chapter Seventeen.
GENERAL REGIME.
This chapter will be devoted to Regime, the first to Gen-
eral, and the other to Habitual Regime. The former is
advice only; the last is to be observed.
They will necessarily be short.
Regulation L Food. Avoid porky pastry, and cake at
all times; and confectionery, except directly after eating.
Indigestion, like any pain, saps the body of its nerve-force.
Nine-tenths of all the people who suffer from dyspepsia do
not attempt to regulate their diet until driven to it by
necessity ; and when they have obtained temporary relief
they at once indulge in indigestible food again, and then
repeat the process of suffering, seeking relief, obtaining it,
and indulging once more. The author knows of many
people who are dyspeptics, who, when they think they are
cured, will abuse their etomachs without stint.
Irritable people have erratic nerves.
All dyspeptics are irritable.
Pork, pastry, cake and confectionery are to blame for
more dyspeptics than statistics could enumerate.
Pork never should enter the system in any form.
People who die of cancer are pork or ham eaters, or else
get it into their system through pie-crust or confectionery.
Persons who have pimples and humors eat the kinds of
foods, or some of them, which are mentioned in the reg-
ulation.
The chemical changes produced in the acids of the hu-
man system by pork, pastry, cake and confectionery are
such as to neutralize the magnetic acids. This is not true
1—
GENERAL REGIME. 109
of pure candy taken directly after eating substantial food
in sufficient quantity.
Regulation II. Drinks. Avoid drinks that stimulate,
and drinks that chill. Alcoholic liquors and coffee are
stimulants. Coffee is worse; it is indigestible.
It cannot be denied that stimulants do generate elec-
tricity in a person, but it is a fire that consumes more of
the nerve-force than it supplies. The nerves of a stimu-
lated body commence at once to convey the vitality to the
surface, where it passes off very rapidly, and when the
action is over, the man is much weaker than his normal
condition. A series of such processes becomes a down
hill affair.
Chilling drinks stop at once the generation of nerve-force;
in fever they are the very best antidotes. Fever is a chem-
ical consumption of the elements of the body. It is para-
lyzed by cold water taken internally. Bits of ice held in
the mouth are a necessity in some cases; yet physicians
in some instances forbid this.
On the same principle, ice water and ice cream partially
paralyze the process of generating nerve-force, and in sev-
eral cases have actually paralzed the soft-palate, the larynx,
the bronchial tubes and the stomach.
Many a fine speaker has ruin'd an otherwise magnificent
effort by taking ice cream or ice water within a few hours
before speaking.
Tea acts in much the same way. It does not chill, but
it deadens the vitality.
Coffee is such an excitant to the nerves that very few
coffee-drinkers have any coolness of the head, brain or
judgment; and they are very awkward in the body.
In South America the natives drink four or five cups
of coffee daily. They are so "nervous " that they are con-
stantly in motion; when sitting as still as they can, their
legs and arms have a rapid motion that suggests some
steady employment. Even in sleep the body is not still.
Regulation IV. Bathing. Avoid Hot Baths. The
fibrous nerves terminate at every part of the body. They
110 LESSONS IK PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
conduct the vital-force away whenever they are excited.
Heat and pain draw the nerve strength away very rapidly.
A hot bath is the most weakening thing the body can en-
counter. Not only is all the magnetism drawn out, bat
the fibrous ends of the nerves are thrown into a state of
excitement that continues for days, throwing off the vitality
that is being generated, and subsiding only after a long
rest. Thus two kinds of injury are being produced : First,
the immediate loss of power; second, a continuing loss.
The latter is by far the more serious.
Hot moisture is more debilitating than dry heat. A
sailor who is unruly can easily be subdued by a short visit
to the "steam-box," whence he will emerge as limp and
nerveless as a cloth. This punishment has been inflicted
on many sailors, and sometimes in prisons on desperate
criminals.
The second injury, or continuing loss, is easily overcome
by dashing cold water over the body, so as to produce a
shock. This at once hardens the nerve fibres, temporarily
deadens them, and all outflow of vitality is checked. The
Turkish baths, one of the most weakening of all baths,
saps all the immediate strength of the nerves, but checks
the continuing loss by terminating the bath with a cold
water shower, rapidly graded from the heat to the cold.
The cold water plunge sometimes follows, but it is better
to shorten the cold water part of any bath as much as pos-
sible. A single dash of cold water is sufficient ; if pro-
longed it is apt to produce a chilliness which is dangerouse
A bath should end with a deluge of cold water over th.
body.
The water should never be warmer than 98°.
The best way to take a bath is to make the water blood
warm, and with a sponge and plenty of soap wash the feet
and legs and the armpits, rinsing all the soap off; then
allow the water to run off, and, either with a shower or
plunge bath, finish by a sudden deluge of water over the
head and entire body. Soap is rarely ever necessary,
except for the parts just mentioned. Instantly wipe the
GENERAL REGIME. Ill
entire body dry, by a gentle chafing. Hard rubbing excites
humors to the surface of the skin that otherwise would
remain dormant or pass off without harm. The face never
should be rubbed ; a warm, dry towel placed over it and
patted until all the moisture has been absorbed will leave
the face in the best condition. This precaution and an
abstention from meats, especially pork, ought to overcome
the tendency to humors in the face.
Dashing very cold water in the face is good for the com-
plexion. The best thing of all is sleeping directly after
eating the heaviest meal of the day, and between 9 and 10
o'clock at night.
Regulation V. Heat. Avoid Artificial Heat. Sit-
ting in warm rooms saps the vital-force. Holding the
feet in the oven, or on any heated substance is equally
bad. The best remedy for cold feet is a largely developed
pair of lungs, which will add one hundred per cent, to the
vitality of the blood circulation, thus carrying the blood
heat to the feet.
The next best thing is to stand on the balls of the feet
and move the body up and down one hundred times by
the instep action.
Regulation VI. Walking. All Persons should
Walk with the Weight entirely on the Balls of
the Feet. The heels must touch the floor, if shoes are
worn having heels, but no weight is borne on them. How
to walk correctly may be learned from a previous chapter
of this book.
Regulation VII. Sitting. Supporting the Back is
Injurious to Good Magnetic Influence. Why this
is so would require a much longer explanation than the
size of this volume will allow. The fact, however, was
discovered before the theory was applied. It will make
one tired to sit any length of time with the back erect, but
after a few weeks the weariness will pass away, and the
muscles will then have been hardened. The unsupported
back is a stimulant to good digestion, good heart action
and good liver. Leaning forward, or a cramped position
112 LESSONS IK PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
of the chest, is bad. A perfect position requires that the
walls of the chest be fully extended all the time, with the
shoulders down but not back.
Regulation VIII. Rocking Causes Nervousness,
and may Cause Nervous Prostration. In rocking,
the head moves forward and backward in straight lines.
At the end of every motion the return is sudden. Here
are two causes of a waste of vitality, or leakage. Experi-
ments prove that great irritation follows such a habit.
Steady rocking is sure to produce great loss. Out of many
hundred experiments made in this single direction, there
was not one exception found. Indeed, one of the gentle-
men experimented with, a physician, who at first doubted
the proposition here made, was afterward willing to risk
his professional reputation on the statement that three
weeks of steady rocking would result in complete prostra-
tion of the nervous system.
Regulation IX. Pain should be subdued as soon as
possible. Pain of all kinds feeds upon and exhausts the
vitality. Whenever it is possible, artificial means should
be taken to overcome it. The lance produces relief in
many cases of pressure caused by matter or pus gathering
under the skin. Toothache is often endured when it can
be cured ; this is a mistake. The services of a physician
or surgeon will bring relief in many other cases.
Regulation X. Sleep. The Magnetic Sleep is just
after Eating and at Nine O'clock at Night. Hard
as it may seem, there are some things which are better for
us than pleasure. It is not pleasant to retire at nine
o'clock, and for the purpose of obtaining the magnetic
sleep it is not necessary. The sleep of a single night
does not produce a noticeable change, although it has its
benefits. The person who wishes a fair complexion
and a magnetic body will do much to assist this great
result by forming a permanent habit of sleeping one hour,
from nine to ten p. m. After ten he may awake and
devote two hours to pleasure, if he wishes.
GENERAL REGIME. 113
A sound sleep for half an hour after the heaviest meal
of the day will achieve the same result.
Regulation XL Violent Exercise is to be Avoided.
This prevents good health, good thinking, and good nerves.
It is said that brain workers soon lose their power of deep,
close thinking if much strong exercise is indulged in. It
is certainly very exhausting to the nerve-force, the very
substance on which the thought feeds.
Regulation XII Miscellaneous. The following are
very exhausting to the magnetic forces of the body, and
are given in addition to those already mentioned. They
are named in the order in which thev are injurious :
1. Fright.
2. Marriage Excesses.
3. Irregular Habits.
4. Angular Movements.
5. Loss of Small Motions.
Remember that the vital-force —
1. Becomes stale by non-use.
2. Is wasted by over-use.
3. And produces " nervousness " by mis-use.
8
" Eoen if lam ignorant in what way a thing happens, yet what does
happen I know" Cicebo.
Charter Eighteen.
HABITUAL REGIME.
The last chapter was composed of advice which it is
presumed every pupil will read, some carefully ; and few
will follow. It is probable that some will consider the
advice very good, in fact good enough to recommend to
their friends and relatives.
This chapter will be devoted to certain matters that
must be observed by the person who wishes to be mag-
netic. The regime herein insisted upon is founded upon
the record of the lives of the men and women who have
possessed this power, and also upon the results of many
experiments. It is useless to add that the theories are all
agreed that the present regime is necessary.
I. Chastity. While not desiring to preach, it is never-
theless a plain fact, to be spoken plainly, that excessive
indulgence is one of the most destructive agents of nerve-
force. Careful investigations, added to the reported ex-
periences of many persons, have well established the fol-
lowing facts :
1. Indulgence oftener than once in six days wastes the
magnetism of the body.
2. Absolute abstinence deadens the vitalizing powers
of the body ; like too much sleep.
It appears that chaste unmarried people were never
known to be the most magnetic; and that libertines were
quite far removed from that power. Whatever theories
may be suggested to fit these cases is a matter of specula-
tion ; the facts remain indisputable.
HABITUAL REGIME. 115
The author has never been able to train a male pupil
under nineteen years to become very magnetic, nor a
female under eighteen. It is not to be presumed that un-
married persons are incapable of acquiring the power ; on
the contrary they acquire it often to a large extent, but
married persons whose habits are temperate, are the most
progressive pupils.
II. Rocking chairs should not be permitted in the house.
Nervous children, nervous young men and women, and
nervous parents may all have some share of blame to cast
upon this dangerous engine of debilitation.
III. Ice water, coffee, alcholic liquors, pork and pastry
are to be avoided.
IV. The back must not be supported habitually.
V. The two Dead-Still Exercises, numbers 44 and 52 of
chapter 10 must be practiced daily.
VI. One of the Nerve Calisthenics of chapter 16 must be
practiced daily. Any one will do.
With this chapter the Lessons in the Mechanics of Per-
sonal Magnetism ends.
M ffwe had not seen the magnet attracting iron, we would not believe it.
a
Chapter Nineteen.
A FEW WORDS CONCERNING THE ADVANCED LESSONS.
The Second Volume is the Great Work
on the Present Subject.
It is Entitled, "Private Lessons in Book Form,
Teaching the Magnetic Control of Others,
Or Personal Magnetism Proper."
This book will be sold only to the few who are willing
to enter into the contract which we append to this chapter.
As the next step is bo important to tbe pupil, and as it
involves a greater expense than was incurred in the pur-
chase of the present book, it will enlighten the reader to
answer a few questions in advance,— questions that you
very likely would ask.
Question 1. Why are the lessons of the ne&t volume pri-
vate f
Answer. Because there are no two persons alike in the
world, and in the Advanced Lessons there must be special
exercises suited to the condition, temperament, age and
health of each person.
Every pupil must first answer a series of printed ques-
tions which will be forwarded by mail ; there must also be
reports made by the pupil from time to time, showing the
progress made and the results obtained. A record is kept
of all this, and the pature of the lessons sent each person
depends very much upon the person and the reports. This
THE ADVANCED LESSONS. 117
insures to eaclj a certain amount of individual attention,
and guarantees to all a successful accomplishment of the
great work before them.
Pupils who take the advanced course of private lessons
have the privilege of asking all the questions they desire,
and submiting all matters of difficulty to the College, with
the satisfaction of knowing that they will receive full and
careful answers suited to each individual case.
Q. 2. When should a pupil procure the Advanced Les-
sons?
A. At any of the following times: 1. Either before
commencing to study the present volume. 2. On or after
reading the first chapters. 3. Or after completing it.
As it is designed that years should be spent in growing
into the perfect self-control which the exercises of this
book will accomplished, and as the two volumes are easily
studied together, and much time is saved, it is better to
purchase the Private Lessons as soon as your means will
allow.
Q. 3. Why are pupils requested not to disclose any fact
or exercise of (he "Private Lessons in the Magnetic Control
of Others f"
A. For your protection and for ours. It is done for
your protection for the same reason that when you discover
a gold mine you do not make its wealth public property.
You keep it for yourself. You will find many secrets of
great value in the Private Lfcssons which, if others knew
of them, they might appropriate to their own use, and add
power and influence to their lives, against which power
you might some day have to contend, thus adding to your
work of competition ; and for this you pay while they help
themselves for nothing. It is also better for you not to
parade before others the fact that you are endeavoring to
acquire certain powers ; nor to tell others the means by
which you seek to control your fellow-beings. If you do,
your competion in life will be greater. Would you not
prefer to have the secrets known only to a chosen few, if
you are one of the number, than to have them open to the
118 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
gaze of every one? Our pupils would not thank us if we
told to others the secrets for which they pay. It is for
our protection, because we have spent nearly twenty years
in arriving at the results of this work ; twenty years of
hard labor, sacrifice and constant expense. An inventor
has an exclusive control over his invention and all its re-
sults; we ask no more than that.
Q. 4. Why is the price so high as $25?
A. To keep the "Advanced Lessons" in the hands of a
chosen few, whose ability to pay for the work will indicate
that they are responsible and that their contract will be
observed. Also to partially remunerate the author for
twenty years of work and experiments made for the good
of others.
Q. 5. Is there any after expense, or any father lessons
when this second volume is completed?
A. No. The end of the whole work is reached when
the Advanced Lessons are completed. There is nothing
to follow.
The foregoing explains everything that a person would
care to know.
The following agreement must be copied in a plain hand
on Congress or foolscap paper, dated and signed, and for-
warded to us, accompanied by a check, draft or money-
order for $25. Any merchant can furnish you with his
check. Every money-order should be made payable to
Webster Edgerly, directed to that name, care of P. O. Box
291, Washington, D. C.
" CONTRACT.
"I hereby state that I am not under twenty-one years
of age ;* that I make the following agreement in good
a A person under twenty-one years of ase must alter the wording of
the line, and procure the following to be signed by some responsible
person of full age, and forward the same with the contract signea by the
minor :
*' I hereby promise to pay to Webster Edgerly the sum of five hundred
dollars, if the within named shall fail to
keep his contract.
[Signed] ."
THE ADVANCED LESSONS. 119
}j
faith, upon my honor, and with a full intention of keeping
the same :
I agree to pay Webster Edgerly the sum of five hundred
dollars, if I shall disclose to any human being by word of
mouth, by writing or by any means, any fact, theory or
exercise contained in the series of lessons entitled
"Private Lessons in Printed Form, teaching the Magnetic
Control of Others, or Personal Magnetism Proper"
"Dated this day of , A. D. 18
at County of State of
[Signed]
Exception. When two or more persons who are each a
purchaser of the " Private Lessons " desire to meet for
counter-part practice, or to test the strength of each person's
magnetism, Cards of Intercourse will be issued on appli-
cation.
Any husband who shall disclose to his wife, or wife to
her busband, or one relative to another, any fact, theory
or exercise of the " Private Lessons," wiil be deemed to
have violated the contract as much as though it were told
to any other person.
Later on, when the initiated shall have learned the
course of procedure in controlling others, they will thank
us for their own sakes, for not making the work public
property.
Any person applying for " Private Lessons Teaching
the Magnetic Control of others," must fill out a statement
prepared after the following form :
The Private Lesson come in series, and are classified
into " Temperaments." Through your answers in the
statement below we learn your general disposition and
other facts that enable us to send you the division of
lessons applying to yourself Some parts of the method
have radical variations, each from the other, and it is
essential that you should be placed in your proper division.
If your answers are correct, we can classify you with un-
erring accuracy.
Pupils purchasing the " Private Lessons " are entitled
120 LESSONS IN PERSONAL MAGNETISM.
to the special privilege of addressing private inquiries
to the College at Washington for help in mastering the
work, if necessary. All communications are strictly
private, and all answers in the following statement are
kept where they can never be known by anyone, excepting
the single individual receiving them, and after your classi-
fication has been made, they are destroyed.
Ladies need not therefore hesitate in sending their ages.
Copy the following and fill out :
statement.
1. Your name in full.
2. Your State, County, Town and P. O. address.
3. Your height.
4. Your weight.
5. Your age.
6. Color of eyes.
7. Size of pupil at midday, (sidewise to a window light
having no sunshine in it), compared with its .size at nine
o'clock at night in a room lighted by gas or oil, the pupil
sidewise to the light. [The relative size must be stated
as accurately as possible.]
8. Color of hair.
9. Condition of the heart as to palpitation,
•10. Pulse at 9 a. m., 12 m. and 9 p. m. on some day
when in average health.
11. General complexion of face.
1 2. Length of hair as generally worn.
In applying for your " Private Lessons " you will have
(o enclose three things :
1. Contract, signed.
2. Statement, filled out.
3. Twenty -five dollars.
The letter may be directed to Webster Edgerly, or to
The Martyn College of Elocution and Oratory, P. O.JBox
291, Washington, D. C.
We will say in closing, as we said in beginning, that
Personal Magnetism is not akin to Mesmerism, Spiritua-
lism, or any of the known 'isms of the present day.
THE ADVANCED LESSONS. 121
It is a noble, pure, fascinating study, elevating in its
nature, producing a pleasant current in the stream of life,
giving buoyancy to the health, tone to the nerves, vitality
to the brain, cheerfulness to the disposition, manliness
and womanliness to the character, fire to the heart, and
power to the entire person. It might be used corruptly,
by the lawyer in handling witnesses and juries, by the
minister in exhortation, by the speaker in misleading au-
diences, by the lover to win his lady, or the maid to con-
quer her sweetheart, but for the fact that such debasement
is unworthy the honor of the true student of any art, and
beneath the dignity of professional people.
•McDeep Breathing^
AS A
MEANS OF HEALTH.
Promoting the Art of Song and of Speech; Curing Weakness
and Affections of the Throat and Lungs, especially Con-
sumption, Asthma, and Colds; preventing Pneumonia and
Malaria ; and giving to the entire body, STRENGTH,
VITALITY and ENERGY.
" Where inspiration is full and vigorous, life is energetic. Where it is
feeble, life is torpid. Man lives in proportion as he breathes, and the
activity of the child is in close relation to the strength of its lungs; so,
too, is the calmness, dignity, and power of man in proportion to the depth
and tranquility of his respiration. If the lungs are strong and active,
there is courage, boldness, and health ; if feeble, there is cowardice and
debility. To be out of spirits is to be out of breath. When eager and
full of enterprise, we consume large quantities of air. However well we
feed ourselves, if we do not breathe enough, we do not take on good con-
ditions, but become irritable and lose our ambition in Hfe. Deep breath-
ing, therefore, helps us to more perfect and complete living, if learned
aright, it may easily be made habitual by any person." — M. L. HoU
brook, M. D.
Caslius and Galen, and other Greek and Roman physicians, recom-
mended deep breathing and retention of air — cohibitio spiritus — as a
daily exercise and as a remedy.
Dr. Lennox Brown, surgeon to Her Majesty's Italian Opera in London,
demonstrated that singers' injured voices were the fruit of wrong breath-
ing, and that the secret of proper cultivation and preservation of the voice
was lost with the old Italian school, whose masters did their utmost to
develop deep breathing, which seemed to him the only respiratory method
to advise.
Ciccolina, founder of the German School of Deep Breathing, says:
"By practicing deep inhalation, I recovered from a sickness which my
physician called ' a nervous asthmatic affection of the respiratory or-
gans.' I have had the happiness of relieving a number of asth-
matic persons by the use of the true exercises of deep breathing.
In short, I have had the good fortune to learn to prize the worth of deep
breathing for the preservation of health and life."
For singing- and speaking deep breathing is essential
if the highest success is desired. When correctly taught, deep inhala-
tion and exhalation will soon become an established habit ; the voice
will have a true air-column to rest upon and will gain a vibratory
power never before possessed.
WARRANTED TO PRODUCE RICH AHD POWERFUL YOICES,
LARGE LUNGS AND GOOD HEALTH.
LESSONS IN ARTISTIC DEEP BREATHING,
BOOK FORM, PRICE $1.50.
ADELINI PATTI, the greatest liv-
ing singer, says: "I have often been
asked why European methods of
voice training produce so much bet-
ter results than the American. The
truth is this : The American's teach
only chest breathing or abdominal
breathing; while Europeans place a
great deal of importance on Deep
Breathing ■, which is sure to build a
rich and powerful voice for both sing-
ing and speaking. I positively de-
clare that I owe much of my voice to
Deep Breathing, which Americans
neglect.''
fetter from A. P. Lacey, Esq. , for the
.past eight years Sunday School Super-
intendent of Metropolitan M. E-
Church.
604 F Street, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
To the Principal of Martyn College of
Elocution and Oratory :
Dear Sir : I have proven conclus-
ively that exercises in Deep Breathing
will cure dyspepsia, and promote di-
gestion. Your method of Deep Breath-
ing will accomplish all and more than
you claim for it.
A. P. LACEY.
131 7 13th Street, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
Prof Webster Edgerly. Dear Sir :
For twelve years I have been a teacher
of Elocution, and have learned all the
American ways of Breathing to de-
velop voice, but, since taking a course
of lessons under you in Deep Breath-
ing, I find I can increase my lung ca-
pacity fifty per cent, and my Voice
accordingly. I deem your method
the only perfect one. I have seen.
EDWARD C. TOWNSEND.
Letter from Assistant United States
Attorney General, Hon. F. P. Dewees.
Department of Justice,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Professor : It gives me
pleasure to state that my daughter,
who was for a long time an invalid
has recovered her health by reason of
your exercises in Deep Breathing.
Her voice which was entirely lost for
a long time is completely restored,
and has unusual power and compass.
This was accomplished solely by your
exercises.
FRANK P. DEWEES.
We have hundreds of testimonials
from all classes of people showing
that all our claims are fully substan-
tiated.
The Exercises are warranted to
produce Rich and Powerful Voices,
Large Lungs, and Good Health.
Price, Full Cloth, $1.50
U. S. Journal of Elocution and
Oratory. Subscription price
for one year.
Price for the issues of 1888 and
1889,
The Book in Full Morocco and
Gilt, with the Journal for the
issues of 1888 and 1889,
.50
•75
300
Address,
THE MARTYN COLLEGE
OF ELOCUTION and ORATORY,
. P. 0. Box 291,
Washington, |D. C.
THE LEADIFG AMERICA! HSTITDTIOI
VOICE TRAINING,
THE MARTYN COLLEGE
-OF-
ELOCUTION AND ORATORY,
313 Sixth Street, N. W.,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Its methods of developing, strengthening, and enriching the
voice have no equal in this country, and are of the same high
standard as the best European systems.
American methods have long been deficient in two particulars :
ist, building a rich, strong voice, without forcing it 2d, natural
expression.
These two great deficiencies are overcome by the Shaftesbury
method, which is taught in this country only at the Martyn Col-
lege of Elocution and Oratory, no other institution having the
right to use this system.
The Shaftesbury method has all the valuable things of the Del-
saite theory, with none of its tiring details that so seriously handi-
cap professional work. It has a much superior system of gesture,
movement and attitudes. It saves years of work and accomplishes
more for the great life work of the ambitious aspirant.
This college has three collegiate courses :
ist collegiate course, 1 school year of 8 months, called the Non-
Professional Course of Elocution. Tke graduate receives a diploma
and degree of B. E. Tuition $95 for the year.
2d collegiate course, 2 school years, called the Professional Course
of Elocution and Oratory. The graduate receives a diploma and
the degree of B. E. O. Tuition $95 for each year.
3d collegiate course, 2 school years, called the Professional Course
of Elocution and Acting. The graduate receives a diploma and
the degree of B. E. A. Tuition $95 for each year.
Short courses may be had for $25 and $50.
Illustrated catalogues sent free on application.
Address—
THE MARTYN COLLEGE OF ELOCUTION AND ORATORY,
P. O. Box 291, Washington, D. C.
60URSES OF INSTRUCTION
-IN THE-
COLLEGIATE COURSES
—OF
THE MARTYN COLLEGE
OF
ELOCUTION AND OI^ATO^Y,
WASHINGTON, D. C.
"Elocution is the art of all arts; no person's education is com-
plete without it." — Emerson.
" We cannot tell what powers we may possess until this art de-
velops us." — Salvini.
Non-professional studies under the most skilled MALE IN-
STRUCTORS.
(ist school year of 8 months.) /
-_.-,. io. Recitations to both private and
1 • £° 1Ce £ ult ?u?' P u bl *c audiences.
2. Deep Breathing. n. Inflexions.
3. Elementary Elocution. I2# Tone Color
4. Articulation. , 3 Conversation.
5. Pronunciation. £ Shakespeare.
6. Analysis for Emphasis. jZ Deportment
7. Physical Haianony and Grace. ,g; Bi £ le and H y mn Reading .
8. Gesture and Attitudes. I7 Authors
9. Expressive Reading. j8 ; calisthenics in Grace and Gesture.
Professional studies under the most skilled MALE INSTRUC-
TORS.
(2d school year of 8 months.)
1. Personation. 8. Comedy.
2. Dramatic Gesture. 9. Elocution (advanced).
3. Facial Expression. 10. Shakespeare (advanced).
4. Studies of Moods and Feelings. 11. Oratory.
5. Dialect Reading. 12. Extemporaneous Speaking.
6. Pantomine. 13. Oral Translation.
7. Acting (to audiences). 14. Parliamentary Practice.
N. B. — Pupils who cannot afford the time necessary to complete
collegiate courses may take any of the above lessons in shorter
courses.
Illustrated catalogue mailed free. Address Box 291, Washing-
ton, D. C.
The United States Journal
—OF—
ELOCUTION and ORATOR7
Devoted to Instruction and Entertainment.
Every Elocutionist should have it !
Every Professional Person should have it !
Every Family interested in the cultivation of the Voice for Singing,
Reading, or Speaking, should have it.
Its mission is to convey lessons m voice training, grace and ges-
ture to persons who cannot find the time or means to attend a col-
lege of Elocution, Oratory or Acting. This journal is the only
one of its kind in this country. Its columns will be school rooms
of instruction. It will furnish, in a quiet way, to all classes of
people, just the help they need for all avocations. This Journal is
sustained by the Martyn College of Elocution and Oratory, which
Institute is indorsed by the most prominent andreliable men of the
country. This Journal will contain during the years 1888 and
1889, lessons for
The Clergyman,
The Lawyer,
The Physician,
The School Teacher,
The Scholar,
The Reader,
The Elocutionist,
The Orator,
The Actor,
The Merchant,
The Clerk,
The Mother,
The Daughter.
Subscription Price, 50 Cents per year.
Address, U. S. JOURNAL OF ELOCUTION AND ORATORY,
P. 0. Box 291, WASHINGTON, D. C.
A PAPER OK GREAT VALUE
TO ALL CLASSES OF PEOPLE.
The Reader, The Elocutionist, The Actor.
The reader, the elocutionist, the actor, will find in these columns
from month to month, the latest, the best, the most scientific
methods of voice and action, fully explained.
The orator and the aspirant to oratory must remember that the
greatest of the world's orators (with very rare exceptions), were
trained by teachers or trained themselves from suggestions and
hints gathered from others. They had wisdom, and that wisdom
told them that the voice should receive its share of attention in
their studies, as well as the mind. A good speaker is always in de-
mand. A trained voice, if well trained, loses its harshness and
"spread eagle " style, and develops power, beauty and richness of
modulation.
The Merchant and Clerk.
. The merchant and clerk who reads these columns from time to
time during the present volume, will learn many things in manner,
ease, modulation and conversational power that are essential to the
best success in trade. The voices of clerks are tiresome, owing to
their harshness or sameness of style, but rich tones, well modulated
are irresistable.
The Mother and Daughter.
The mother and daughter, the representatives of home, will find
the art of home reading treated of in this Journal from month to
month, and voices now considered monotonous will develop into
tones of beauty. Then the sound of your own voice will not weary
you. You should learn how to dive down into the best thoughts
of the best authors and by the use of expression make them felt by
others around you.
A Noble Occupation.
This is better than wasting time in reading sensational trash*
No nobler occupation can be found than the study of the great
thoughts of the world's greatest thinkers.
Price, 50 Cents per Year.
Subscribe now, if you wish an unbroken series of numbers.
Address, U. S. JOURNAL of ELOCUTION and ORATORY,
P. O. Box 291, Washington, D. C.
D. S. JOUBNAL OF ELOCUTION AMI ORATORY.
Published at WASHINGTON, D. C.
This Journal will be valuable to ALL CLASSES OF PEOPLE
The Clergyman.
To the clergyman it will afford the means of cultivating both
the voice and manner, so as to improve the rendition of sermons
and make them impressive. Many a clergyman after a course of such
training, has so improved that his salary has been raised,
or he has been called to larger fields of labor.
The Lawyer.
The lawyer may be finely educated in legal lore, but if he wishes
to win laurels as an advocate he must educate his voice. The able
advocate is a marked man, and his reputation as a speaker will
win for him not only forensic honors, but a lucrative office practice
beside. All lawyers who subscribe for this Journal will find many
valuable lessons in voice culture for home practice.
The Physician and Surgeon.
The physician and Surgeon who would be skillful, should have
grace of carriage, gentleness of touch, and sympathy of voice.
These are the results of training, such as will be found in the sub-
sequent numbers of this Journal.
The School Teacher.
The school teacher must control himself or herself before the
pupil can be controlled. In the public schools of the country
thousands of teachers are employed, and not one in a hundred is
able to perfectly master the scholars, except by force or anger,
which results in unpopularity. A single tone from a trained voice
will instantly command attention, and give to the teacher a sup-
erior dignity that wins the respect of everybody. This Journal
will be found of great value to all teachers.
The Scholar.
The scholar in every school in America should know how to
read well, how to speak well and the rules of gesture. In the
future numbers selections for reciting and declaiming will be ar-
ranged for use at entertainments, and suggestions given that will
be of great value.
Price, 50 Cents per Year.
flddress, U. S. journal of Gtocutioaaad Oratory,
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